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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Pileatus" data-source="post: 1623986" data-attributes="member: 9609">Back to the bizarre...The top post of this thread lists two Zen links. One listed the 7X36 at $649; the other listed several bins, the first priced at $530. That's what Zen posted, not me. Both of those prices are higher than previously reported, one much higher. I did not critically examine every other model, read every other Zen page, interpret confusing discount schedules, or refer to BF for guidance. I read what I saw in front of me and found it interesting.Like a military operation, attacks ensued. Forget the obvious facts, the Zen was attacked and that perceived attack must be repelled. It's happened so often one has to wonder if people can reason.In a matter of hours, I've received insulting emails, friendly emails and two emails from the folks at Zen-Ray. That's right, Zen-Ray. In August I posted some very nice comments about the 8X43 ED. Recently, I commented on their web page. My recent correspondence with Zen-Ray touched on both issues in a positive, rather friendly manner. I never post private correspondence and I never will.Some of you are warped, plain and simple. Last week I encouraged someone to think about BUYING a Zen binocular. In August, I said, "The Zen reminded me of a Swarovski EL 8.5X42 with less CA…a definite game-changer for $400!".<a href="http://birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1459622&postcount=142" target="_blank">http://birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1459622&postcount=142</a>Are those the words and actions of someone who hates Chinese binoculars and dislikes Zen? Of course not and the people at Zen know it. Quite frankly, they appreciated and acted on my August comments and those of the past few days.I wish Zen-Ray all the best. I hope they succeed as a business and forge productive and profitable relationships with the Chinese. Politics aside, the Chinese manufacturing sector is too dynamic to be ignored. I mentioned something about this here.<a href="http://birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1544761&postcount=1" target="_blank">http://birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1544761&postcount=1</a>If Zen is to succeed, the company must present a professional brand to the public. Otherwise, they will remain a backwater, word-of-mouth company. Nikon will eventually wake up, revamp the Monarch line with low CA glass and capture much of the market share Zen currently enjoys. The Zen website must be simple to navigate and comprehend because, at this moment in time, that is their brand. Varying discounts for each model do not convey a sense of conviction in your product. Fixed pricing accompanied by the occasional special is a tried and true model that does. Never confuse your customer, unless of course, you’re trafficking in goods at the Istanbul Grand Bazaar.John</blockquote>

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