What are some examples of "pretend" business competitors? I'm thinking of brands that appear to be separate businesses and appear to be in direct competition, but are in fact owned by the same company. [more inside]
posted by teg on Sep 18, 2009 - 76 answers

I need suggestions as to how I can most easily and inexpensively get the full-size version of this arresting image reproduced at large size and on high-quality art paper. [more inside]
posted by killdevil on May 28, 2009 - 5 answers

How does American Apparel make money? [more inside]
posted by abirae on May 27, 2009 - 10 answers

What game can I play with a History class to demonstrate the differences between Capitalism and Communism? [more inside]
posted by man down under on May 26, 2009 - 30 answers

PoliSci filter: I was hoping that someone can rationally, without rhetoric, explain to me why the word "Socialism" creates fear and extreme responses in far right-wing people. Soem very detailed specifics within. [more inside]
posted by arniec on Oct 14, 2008 - 61 answers

I have just started reading 'The Mystery of Capital' by the celebrated Peruvian economist, Hernando de Soto. Having lived in Brazil for many years and seen, on a daily basis, the irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit of which he writes, I can relate to the book and whole-heartedly support the fundamental idea running through it that clearly-defined property rights and simplified procedures for starting new businesses represent the best solution to eradicating poverty in the Third World. I have an 18,000-word Masters in International Business thesis to submit by June 2009. I'd appreciate your suggestions, Metafilter. [more inside]
posted by Zé Pequeno on Aug 18, 2008 - 8 answers

Free school options in New York? [more inside]
posted by puckish on Aug 3, 2008 - 7 answers

Wrigleyville residents/capitalist theorists: am I obliged to honor the "dibs" system while selling my parking spot during Cubs night games? [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket on Apr 17, 2008 - 38 answers

Can you refer me to sophisticated discussions of violence that is driven by hybrid forms of capitalism and religion? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 16, 2007 - 2 answers

Is consumerism bad? [more inside]
posted by hadjiboy on Jun 2, 2007 - 22 answers

I have heard that during the 20's when capitalism was hot shit, many municipalities decided to privatize their public transit systems. The legend goes that Ford bought up a bunch and promptly shut them down. True or false? Couldn't find anything on google or snopes.
posted by nihlton on May 23, 2007 - 14 answers

GlobalPovertyFilter: Is poverty in the third world and emerging countries like India and China due more to exploitation by multinational corporations, or due to disconnection from globalization? [more inside]
posted by ibmcginty on Jun 26, 2006 - 16 answers

I picked up 50 digitech guitar pedal bags at the local thrift store, cheap. My wife is laughing at me as I try to get rid of them. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 on Mar 30, 2005 - 14 answers