First off: I have no problem with that you guys dont want a contest. A contest will often just make more sales to the top makers, so they can make a living of what they are doing. Do you guys really think that Global sells because its so damn good knife, or is it because of marketing? And to get this contest into magazines, would make more want to buy great knives. For the makers it would be interesting to get into a bigger marked with more buyers, than just this forum. (most people here even got to many knives all ready).
Secondly: The TV shows reach out to millions of viewers, lets say 10% of the viewers become a greater home chef after watching tv shows like this. This means a lot of people get into the world of food. This is a great thing, and these people starts to demand better quality food from the stores, so that is a huge impact in the world of foods. I live in Norway, and its hard to get ie. fresh garlic outside Oslo (the capital), but if a small town got a lot of demanding home chefs, then you will find fresh garlic in small towns. If you see the big picture you will see that TV show got a HUGE impact on the common man, and for me I would like to have 10000 great home chefs from watching a tv show, than 1 amazing great unknown chef. For few dont have a impact on the food industry, but large numbers of home chefs do....
So even if you hate Gordon or Jamie, they still have a huge impact in the home marked. And if you dont have a demanding home marked, then whats the point of starting gastronomical insane places? (they will disappear as fast as the came, cause no customers, and McDonalds would just open 10 times more junkfood places)....
Lastly Rick:
People seams to lean on others judgements. Do you really think people would buy a Bob Kramer for 50 000 USD, without the judgement of others? This is how the world is put together, but judgements of others. If you are about to open a restaurant in Manhattan, I guess you would have judgement of others, marketing and branding? I have my opinions about knives, but most of my knives are bought on judgement from others, cause in Norway I cant go into a store and just try a knife. I have to read, see pics and listen to others before I buy a knife. And with A LOT of makers popping up, it would be good pointer of whom that is worth buying from