[CR]Re: Ugliness... in search of a standard.

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: <BobHoveyGa@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 11:49:33 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Re: Ugliness... in search of a standard.

In a message dated 11/9/04 9:28:13 PM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:


>
> Charles,
>
> Interesting concept.
>
> So far the only tool I know of to measure ugliness is my mirror. Don't know
> if it would work on bikes.
>
> Brian Baylis
> La mesa, CA
>

Ugliness, like beauty, is so subjective that any standard based on the object itself would be vulnerable to irrefutable argument by anyone who happens to disagree.

I therefore propose a more scientific standard based on the sampled reaction of a group of viewers.

It is well known fact that eyes tend to widen slightly and the pupils dilate when viewing an object of interest or wonder. Conversely, the eyes narrow and the pupils contract when viewing an object that is distasteful or threatening.

Perhaps a select group of vintage bike collectors could be assembled and their eyelid and pupilary responses measured as they view various subject bicycles. The results of the participants could be averaged to produce a MASI, or Mean Aesthetic Sensory Index, which could then be made available as an irrefutable reference to define the beauty or ugliness of various marques.

Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA