Architect Archive

Although I don't post much (sorry, but my prolific posting days left with the demise of the old boards), I tend to lurk and read often.

I read a lot about the discussions about pricing models, costs (but no fixed and variable cost breakouts yet), supply & demand, monolopolies, etc. However, what I haven't seen much is discussion on what industry we are most aligned to. So, my question to my fellow Architects is: what industry do we most resemble?

While the casual and quick answer may be the construction industry, the housing industry, the real estate industry, etc., I would question those assertions. It is true that the weapon smithing reflects the appropriate weapon market, except for the demand for 'archaic weapons', but I would submit that the weapon smith profession is the only profession who's in-game economic model reflects the real world industry.

Tailors do not really reflect the textile or clothing industry because there is no need for clothing. Chefs do not reflect the grocery or food industry model because there is no real need for food. In the same manner, the Architect industry does not reflect the real world housing industry in SWG.

Some people may ask why this question is important. Fair enough. My assertion is that in order for the Architect economy to improve, we must understand the basic rules of the industry that it really aligns to and apply those concepts instead of those from the housing or real estate industries.

If you ask me, with, basically, homogeneous products being manufactured by every entity competing in the market place, we reflect the airline industry.

The wine industry?

Competinig companies in a delcining market with variable supply of materials?

Not an answer... but you got me thinking.

Airline was a great choice.

Big stuff, razor thin profit.