When browsing this subreddit, you often come across that phrase, diminishing returns.

I’m German, English is my second language, and there isn’t really a German phrase for this concept that would be on everyone’s mind when talking about this concept like ‘diminishing returns’ seems to be.

It’s a really neat concept and is true for so many hobbies, or things one can buy in general, but it is also ultra subjective, isn’t it?

Like, if someone has a 2000$ headphone but doesn’t really like it, and then spends 4000$ on one that they do like - does objective performance matter? I think the difference between the 2 could be 5%, but if it’s 5% in the right direction, they make the difference between selling it or keeping it and being happy.

I think there are people out there who don’t really shop in the 2-digit price category, or even 3-digit one, only 4 and above, for whatever reason - but they just wouldn’t be happy with a 500$ headphone, knowing that there is better stuff out there if you just spend the money.

I don’t really have a point, I just got a bit philosophical about that phrase I guess.

  • lagadu@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Diminishing returns don’t exist because “better” isn’t quantifiable: wtf is “5% better” or “80% better” of something that doesn’t have a quantity associated with it?

    • wagninger@alien.topOPB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Yeah… I think it can only apply to measurable things like FR or distortion, because for someone with a TOTL collection, spending 300 on a Sennheiser is a complete waste of money… even if it’s probably the purchase with the least amount of diminishing returns in their lineup