Googlejuice

I'm almost finished reading Jeff Jarvis's book "What would Google Do?", and very much enjoying it.  I'm also still somewhat dealing w/ an online retailer fiasco, w/ GFC (tawdry details in earlier post).  After 5 weeks of poor communications on their part, yesterday they, in a much clearer and more professional response, kindly requested I remove my review of their business on "resellersratings.com".  Kinda defeats the purpose of the review, doesn't it? The book WWGD could well be a training manual for online businesses- how your worst customer, the one that gets fired up enough to write to you and about you, can be the one to provide the best constructive criticism to you.  It was very cool to watch the effectiveness of a single review change this (albiet) small company's response, as their recent emails suggested I was obligated to buy from them, even though they are unable to provide the product or delivery date. 
And yes, Backcountry came thru in a flash with exactly what I needed, fair price, great communication, fast shipping.  I think they've read the book!

Reading the Velo Orange blog, I saw mention of Old Spokes Home in Burlington, VT.  I got in touch w/ owner Glenn, a friend from years back- I had met him & partner Mary on while bicycling the Sierras and Cascades in the mid 80s,  they  were finishing a round the world bike trip.  Check out his site, and shop if in the area.  Better collection in Ordinaries than the Smithsonian.