2013-06-04
Explanation
This comic satirizes self-regulatory bodies and industry rating systems, using a childrens lemonade stand as a stand-in for real-world industries. A girl runs a lemonade stand and proudly announces that according to the "Independent Lemonade Advisory Board" (ILAB), her stand is the only one with A+ ratings in flavor, health, and quality. A skeptical red-haired customer points out that according to the ILAB website, the girl is a "consulting partner" -- meaning she is essentially rating herself. The girl dismisses this as a "common misconception."
The customer then questions how someone can fairly rate lemonade stands if they run one themselves, and says she does not want to support such a system. The lemonade stand owner responds with a scare tactic: she warns the customer to go buy from the competition, which supposedly has a "D rating" for not wearing two layers of latex gloves, implying the customer might catch cholera or dysentery. Intimidated, the customer caves and asks for a lemonade, only to be charged the outrageous price of 0.00 per ounce -- revealing the whole scheme is a racket. The customers mother sighs in defeat.
This is a pointed satire of how some industries create their own supposedly "independent" rating or accreditation bodies to give themselves high marks while disparaging competitors, ultimately driving up prices. The joke draws parallels to real-world examples like credit rating agencies, industry trade groups, and self-certifying professional organizations.
The votey shows someone saying "Your ruthlessness is nauseating" to the girl, who responds, "So... youre saying you want stock?" This adds to the satire by showing the girl as a miniature corporate mogul who interprets all criticism as a business opportunity.