I often see comments about "Reinventing the wheel" on replies to questions about making something that is manufactured. One time I asked about making something on the knifemaking newsgroup and got a response about reinventing the wheel. What? Them guys make knives! Like there is some kind of knife shortage?
What about all the new aluminum flashlights? Did Mag-Lite and Brinkman waste their time reinventing the flashlight? Why does West Coast Choppers waste their time reinventing the motorcycle. And then there are ... wheels, you can buy all kinds of sporty wheels for automobiles, those companies really are reinventing the wheel!
If it wasn't for "reinventing the wheel" we'd only have stone wheels with one choice of tire for only one make and model of automobile. So much for building a better mousetrap, why reinvent the mousetrap?
Don't get me wrong, these replies usually inform the OP of a product like they are wanting to make, and often very helpful. But there are new inventions and about everything else is "reinventing the wheel". Reinventing the wheel give opportunity for improvment and variety.
rant_mode = off
:-)
RogerN Appreciating those who build a better mousetrap!