The greedy by design corporations are no longer content with a one and done sale. They are always on the hunt to find new ways into our pockets. Remember these cats are legally bound to maximize profits above any other consideration. A clean environment is cool and all unless it interferes with their bottom line. Can no longer drink your water? We can sell you some! So no worries, our profits are up! Our workers can no longer afford to eat well or see a doctor, that's a sacrifice we are willing to make in the name of profit. Greed is literally built into our system. Most likely, it will get worse before it gets better. More and more things are becoming a subscription. Quality is being sacrificed on the altar of prophets. I'll share a cautionary tale. What does the future hold? A new path into our pockets has been carved, subscriptions.
Subscriptions are not a new idea. There have been newspaper and magazine subscriptions going back many many decades. There are subscriptions to almost everything now, store subscriptions, TV packages, NFL football games, our smartphones and of course internet access are all available for a low low monthly fee. Insurance premiums for health, home and auto all work on a similar plan, maybe just spread out a little more. Friends, you know it's getting bad when you have to subscribe for features in the new car you just bought. Do you really want to use those heated and cooled seats? You can for a low monthly fee. How about navigation and roadside assistance? Don't worry, the fees can be bundled into your car payment for your convenience. Now there are even apps that track your subscriptions and let you know if you are not using them. Why do I have a sinking feeling that it's another subscription? But wait! The rip offs are not done yet.
The idea of a product lasting several decades or more is over. Let's find the lowest amount of time possible between buying a new product and its replacement. $38,000 for a new car? I think that's the average price here in mid 2025. Let's make it last about 3 years. 10 or 15 years is just too long to wait for another sale. Hey, the banks make money and the car companies make money while you get more and more debt! What good is a warranty if the product is terrible to begin with by Design?
I know a full-time wheelchair user who has to have a gel cushion to prevent bed sore-like abrasions forming. He told me they used to last around a decade or so before needing to be replaced because of leaking. Fortunately for him, they had a lifetime warranty. So around every 10 years he would get a new one. This is no longer the case. Now, he's lucky if they last a year. Sure, they still have the same lifetime warranty but that's little comfort while the wheelchair user is stuck waiting for a replacement. Moving more cushions is more important. I'm sure somehow or other, these guys are getting paid to move more. I could go on and on about cars that are always in the shop (under warranty) are also a headache. I'm sure you can think of numerous other products that are not what they used to be. No, I don't want to return to the past. I just think quality is not too big of an ask.
This short-term bottom line thinking is not a long-term solution to anything. Long ago, we mastered the art of building clothes washers, refrigerators, cars and numerous other products that would last. Making everything disposable it's not only bad for the environment, it is also bad for the economy in the long run. The debt bubble will burst and as usual the poor will be the ones holding the bag. Who we vote for matters not only in politics but also with our dollars. Take some time and do your homework.
This Vid got me thinking...
Why EVERYTHING Feels Like a Scam Now
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