[This post is from a series written during the first weeks of the COVID crisis.]
I’ve invested in pool noodles.
Yes. I think pool noodles are going to be a big thing, as we keep practicing social distancing.
Just think. No dirty looks. No uncomfortable interactions when somebody stands too close.
Just let the pool noodles do their work.
And just think how much money I‘ll make by getting in on this early.
After all, that’s what so many others are doing.
Why do you think there hasn’t been more mobilization of needed supplies, especially to first responders?
Negotiation, that’s why. Rather than respond, let’s negotiate, and drive the prices up.
So, I should get into it, too. Don’t you think?
I mean, why not?
Why else don‘t we have the supplies that we need?
Incompetence? Scale of need? Finite resources?
Or a network of prior, private relationships forged out of supply and demand?
What is more important: these relationships and the network of stability they bring, or satisfying the unstable needs of a crisis?
What is lost and what is gained?
Perhaps, pool noodles.
Will we have them when we need them?
For a virtuous story utilizing the same concept of problematic supply chains—or standing them on their ends through a network of trust—please see David Gelles’ piece in the New York Times entitled: “Marc Benioff’s $25 Million Blitz to Buy Protective Gear From China.”
Nifty architectural figure courtesy of the amazing Pimp my Drawing site.
(I just gave it COVID “gear.”)