Keeping up with today's times are hard, and oftentimes expensive. Looking back at all the technology 'stuff' that I have bought over the past ten years sends my stomach into a rotation of utter dismay. Take for instance DVD's; I have bought over 300 movies on DVD over the past decade. Glancing back on this, as new formats have abruptly appeared, it would appear that in the near future, non of these will play in anything. As digital formats and Blu-Ray disc have emerged, regular DVD's are on a slow decline in sales and the new configurations of home movies are beginning to boom.
After reading a recent editorial, it is a very true that I am not alone. Many people who invested in things such as "vinyl records, 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, and CD's" (Hoppenstand, 2008), assisting in boosting the economy, but underestimated the long term impact of their decisions. People buy electronics such as games, music, and movies based upon impulse. The way I feel is that ten or twenty bucks is not going to financially strap my family for something that I really want and would love to own. This is certainly a way to look at other things too such as plants for the house or the yard; people want their homes to pretty and nice and spend money on plants which will last a couple months. Some people even pay to have this done, spending money on things which are for today and possibly gone tomorrow.
Reference:
Hoppenstand, G. (2008, June). Editorial: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow. Journal of Popular Culture, pp. 369-370. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-5931.2008.00535.x.
I understand why people get so frustrated spending money on electronics. Technology is constantly changing and people often want the latest and greatest. Thus causing people to run out and buy the new piece of technology.
ReplyDeleteYet people are willing to spend money on many other items they will not recoup their money on. Examples being clothes, hair dye, and plants. The truth is it comes down to choosing what you spend your money on. I personally do not "waste" money on plants or DVDs because I deem them as a waste. Yet I would spend money on another coat when I already have a few coats.
I think most people buy on the here and now. If you think about it, only buying items that would stand the test of time would lead to little spending and minimal “stuff” for the average person; not to mention the lack of entertainment. Life is about change; whether its simple clothing fashions or the latest and greatest of electronics. We know things aren’t going to last but that is okay because it allows us to do what we want to do today.
ReplyDeleteBut let’s say it’s not okay. Well, if no one purchased DVD players because they knew that it was just a matter of time before they became out dated, what would they watch their movies on now, the computer? But wait, it’s just a matter of time before the better, and more technological computer is on the market; why waste the money? I know, let’s just buy a good TV with DVR. But then again, a much better one will be on the market soon, maybe we should hold off. I know we’ll just stick to books; but wait, once you’ve read it…
Everything we buy eventually needs or gets replaced, whether it’s from use, lack of interest, or technological advancements. I don’t feel like I wasted money when what I purchased a few years ago is considered old and outdated. The new and improved wasn’t out when I needed/wanted what it was that I bought.
Thanks,
Lisa Theis-Juniper
Jami,
ReplyDeleteIsn't amazing on how that $20 adds up over 300 dvds you bought. $6000 is alot of money, but $20 here and there doesn't seem much, just like you said. Impulse buying drives the majority of our consumeristic economy.
With regards to the landscaping around my house, the first couple years I put in annuals and quickly learned that perennials are the way to go. They come back every year and you don't need to buy them every year. I only buy a few petunias every year for my landscaping instead of 3 dozen annuals and my wallet, back, and knees are very thankful..
It is amazing really how much as changed when we look back. I am always anxious to see the new gadget but when we look back. Wow.
ReplyDeleteJust in the various types of music going from 8-track to cassette to CD to DVD and now blue ray and flash memory. Just considering the same titles that I have purchased through each stage would add up quickly.
Jami, I am learning to go the perennials too. There are just so many annuals that I like that do not last from year to year in this cold northern weather. For a long time I lived is Texas so we got more bang for our buck. I am learning in this Ohio climate to change my views.