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flashbackk · 05-14-2009, 10:12 AM

Here's a linkie....

Campgrounds In Maine Can't Compete Against Free... So Want It Outlawed | Techdirt

AirHeadsRus · 05-14-2009, 10:20 AM

Never been to Maine, don't reckon I've missed anything! Probably will not go there now.

JStanley · 05-14-2009, 12:02 PM

This is another example of how businesses, trade associations, professionals or any group that has to compete to attract business will ask the government to help them limit the supply.

We learned in Econ 101 about the supply and demand curve. We also learned that one way to increase demand is to limit the supply of goods or services, i.e., limit or kill off other suppliers.
One legal way to do that, or to limit the “free market,” is to get your elected officials to pass laws that limit supply. If they can’t help you any your business associates, vote someone in office that will server your interest. The campgrounds want the monopoly all to themselves.

buckmaster · 05-14-2009, 01:09 PM

We have a city ordinance against over night camping in any parking lot here in Newport Oregon, due to being a tourist destination. I personally think people should stay in the campgrounds, a parking lot should only be used as last resort or a quick nap.

During the summer when the camp grounds are full the police do not enforce the ordinance all the time. but in the winter

you better pay for the campsite the fine is higher that the camping fee.

Silvertwinkie · 05-14-2009, 01:36 PM

All that is going to happen is that Wal-Mart will charge $1 for overnight parking and then add a 5% discount off anything they buy in the store.

If folks think Wal-Mart wouldn't do it, think again. Wal-Mart, though RV friendly, is one of the most ruthless companies on the planet. They probably have lawyers on retainer in every state. Their Maine branch will no doubt have to earn it's keep if this gets close to happening.

I agree that a Wal-Mart parking lot is not the best location to stay overnight, I also feel that as long as it's not interfering with others, Wal-Mart and others should be able to do as they please (within reason). Overnight parking IMHO is not unreasonable, and yes, if the campground owners can't compete with an asphalt parking lot, there are far bigger problems to solve.....

dstalzer · 05-14-2009, 01:39 PM

What they do not understand is that the whole economy in Maine will suffer as Campers stay away. Campers do spend a lot of money for food, supplies, fuel, general purchases, entertainment and camping fees at their destination.

Airhog1 · 05-14-2009, 01:46 PM

Any Cracker Barrels in Maine...I have heard you can stay overnight in their parking lot too...why...mmmm....BREAKFAST!!!!

G

Happycampers · 05-14-2009, 02:23 PM

Hello... Guess Maine will be just a drive thru...

63air · 05-14-2009, 02:39 PM

We were planing a trip to Maine in June and already had a reservation .I'm starting to get the impression that it is not the most hospitable place to visit. Is this a state that is better skipped than being the beneficiary of my hard earned dollars?

romap · 05-14-2009, 03:16 PM

Wow!
Some folks would skip a state because legislature rules against free parking at Walmart? Very sad in my opinion. Maine is one of, if not the most beautiful state on the NE coast. Sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone, but I just feel that this is very silly.

Poprivet · 05-14-2009, 03:30 PM

The legislator voted down the proposed law

Frank's Trailer Works · 05-14-2009, 04:11 PM

somewhat stupid question... Why would you go to one of the most beautiful states in this country and stay at the ugliest store in the world. That is just foolish in my eyes. Why stay in a walmart period? So many have given up the road atlas and gone to GPS. The huge down side of GPS is you miss all those green tent symbols clearly printed on the atlas. I wonder if Wally would see walmart as an expectable camping location.

TBRich · 05-14-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

...<snip>....Why would you go to one of the most beautiful states in this country and stay at the ugliest store in the world....<snip>....

Good question... I guess for the same reasons that people spend a bazillions dollars on their rigs (or even a half-bazillion), then they use random pieces of wood to level their rigs rather than buying a decent set of leveling blocks (maybe $25)... or use boards & rocks found in the campground to elevate/guide their sewer hose rather than buying a hose support system (maybe $20)... because they penny wise and pound foolish. Seeing this in camp grounds always makes me wonder ..."Why?"

Mike Leary · 05-14-2009, 04:55 PM

We've never stayed at a Wall-Mart overnight; everywhere else, yes.

somefun · 05-14-2009, 05:06 PM

If camping is staying in Walmart's parking lot, then I'll stay home!!

mustang · 05-14-2009, 05:14 PM

I wouldnt want to be seen at a walmart. Last time I went into one, I thought I was out of place cuz I was paying with cash, and not food stamps or that welfare card. I dont even feel safe in there parking lots when I deliver there. The people that work there are all trash too. Crying about employee abuse, whining to unions and to scared to organize.

I guess what baffles me is, I have an Airstream cuz I want better.(quality) Ive owned Harley Davidsons in the past cuz quality to. I buy American cars, and Trucks because? you guessed it "Quality". Why would I shop at Walmart??? You cant even use quality in the same sentence, its an oxymoran to walmart.

Jaxon · 05-14-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airhog1

Any Cracker Barrels in Maine...I have heard you can stay overnight in their parking lot too...why...mmmm....BREAKFAST!!!! G

Gawd! No kidding, Gene! Love Cracker Barrels breakfasts!!

SilverAvion · 05-14-2009, 05:28 PM

i havent seen this asked yet....
what is wrong with the camp ground owners wanting to earn a living?

Boondocker · 05-14-2009, 05:30 PM

I have stayed overnight in a Wal-mart parking lot. It was convenient, hassle free, and I will do it again. If that makes me low brow then so be it.

RBolton · 05-14-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBRich

Good question... I guess for the same reasons that people spend a bazillions dollars on their rigs (or even a half-bazillion), then they use random pieces of wood to level their rigs rather than buying a decent set of leveling blocks (maybe $25)... or use boards & rocks found in the campground to elevate/guide their sewer hose rather than buying a hose support system (maybe $20)... because they penny wise and pound foolish. Seeing this in camp grounds always makes me wonder ..."Why?"

Why? Because that's what makes it "camping."