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Re:
If that's the rationale, Against, then consider me "out of it" too. When "rotary" phones went to push button, people knew they would need to get one eventually, but guess what? In the meantime, their rotary phones still functioned just fine! They weren't sleeping on the sidewalks to get the latest, revolutionary push button phones! It's the same with everything else. There's a gradual transition that comes with almost every new invention. But to worry about being "the first" to own them is some kind of mental disability, as far as I'm concerned! Thanks for weighing in. 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 28, 2012 at 5:13 AM
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Re:
Thanks, adnohr. And I believe that quote may have come from the same individual who quipped "There's a sucker born every minute!" I've also heard "Life is pain . . . anyone who says differently is probably selling something." And I think instant gratification is a terrible affliction to have come over you. Some of these people should sit down and talk to the folks still alive who lived through The Depression, and try to get an understanding of what it's like to survive with the "bare minimums." Their heads would explode!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 28, 2012 at 5:07 AM
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Re:
Like others have commented, Sam, people today seem to have a warped sense of priorities. These electronic "toys," as practical and useful as they might be, aren't going away anytime soon. They'll always be available, today, tomorrow, and next week! I just don't see the rush to own one! As for leaving your money in the bank, you may want to rethink that position too, with today's interest rates and hidden fees! Time to start stuffing the mattress ( a blog for another day )!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 28, 2012 at 5:02 AM
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I heard one person bemoan the fact that just before the 5th version came out, she had finally bought the 4th version. Come on. It is not that critical to have the latest. I do not take any strides myself to rush to the latest. In fact, those morons that do would probably consider me one of those people who is out of it.
posted by
Against4WindsOn2Flam
on September 27, 2012 at 9:42 PM
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Who once said..."We are surrounded by idiots!"? Marketing. Instant gratification. Great post!
posted by
adnohr
on September 27, 2012 at 7:44 PM
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I can't imagine camping out to get one of those! And you are so right, 6 months from now or so it starts all over again! I think I will leave my money in the bank! sam 
posted by
sam444
on September 27, 2012 at 6:28 PM
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Re: JimmyA
Thank you, sir Wiley. I was trying not to make such a blanket assessment concerning the intelligence ( or lack there of ) of my fellow countrymen and women, but that's as good an explanation as any! In fact, that explains a lot of what's going on today! I just don't know where we're headed sometimes . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 2:02 PM
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Re:
I guess we're in the same boat, mariss. I need to constantly grab my reading glasses to see anything on those things as well! Like anything else, there's a practical side to owning one, but it's just not "life or death" for me to have one, and I don't think it should be for anyone else either! And the situation in China leaves me speechless sometimes. That, coupled with the fact that the "consumers" in this country don't seem to care! What a world!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 1:54 PM
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Re:
Well, luster, I don't mind the updated versions of things, and you're right, it does help to stimulate the economy and keep a lot of people employed. I'm just trying to figure out the urgency of owning one, that's all! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 1:47 PM
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JimmyA
Brain death is the culprit. Great post my friend.,
posted by
WileyJohn
on September 27, 2012 at 12:45 PM
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I am really bad that this still goes on in China after it has been exposed on television. I see it as a stupid fad or an addiction which I won't judge. I am too far gone with far-sightedness to care about them in the least. Another annoying time having to grab my reading glasses.
posted by
mariss9
on September 27, 2012 at 12:14 PM
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they need to get their priorities straight, guess they are helping the economy but it looks like there are plenty of people with the money to buy one of these. My son, SIL all have a new phone which is suppose to be better than the last one and so forth and so forth
posted by
Lanetay
on September 27, 2012 at 8:14 AM
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Re:
Yeah, shobana, I'm sure that's somewhat of a factor as well. Like I wrote, the main two things that troubled me the most are 1) the damned thing will still be there the next day. Sleeping on the sidewalk was probably completely unnecessary, and 2) would the fifth version make the fourth ( or third, or second ) SO obsolete that you couldn't get by until you absolutely needed the next one? You're right. Some people sometimes . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 8:13 AM
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Re:
Well, Utah, I guess that would be one deterrent! But even if this product could cook your breakfast, change your kid's diapers, mow the lawn, program your VCR and give you a haircut, all at the same time, I still wouldn't sleep on a sidewalk overnight to get one!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 8:10 AM
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Re: I have the same inexpensive cellphone I had three years ago, so
That's true too, Katray. I guess it would be safe to say that many people's priorities are simply "out of whack!" Dangling shiny bobbles in front of me never worked before, and it's not going to work now. If I need it, I will purchase it ( eventually ). If not, I can make do with what I already have. Perhaps it is a form of mass-hypnosis. Nice not to be a part of it though, thank you very much!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 8:05 AM
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Re:
Yeah, Annicita, it's a vicious cycle. People always seem to think they have to have the latest, the greatest, the best, at this moment, and when the NEW latest and greatest comes along, they simply move on. The landfills are over-flowing with these latest and greatest items! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 8:02 AM
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Re:
Me too, TAPS. See? At a loss to explain this one, right?
posted by
JimmyA
on September 27, 2012 at 7:59 AM
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Definitely peer pressure is one of the reasons!! Gosh, things people do!
posted by
shobana
on September 27, 2012 at 5:07 AM
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I would get an I-Phone, but then I would have to learn how to use one and I think my fingers are too big to do that.
posted by
UtahJay
on September 26, 2012 at 11:20 PM
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I have the same inexpensive cellphone I had three years ago, so
not much help in understanding this either..Maybe some kind of mass hypnosis that doesn't work on everyone?...:) Is advertising really that powerful to the point of needless and mindless consumption? Why is a phone such a status symbol? Used to be cars, clothing, jewelry, houses. Perhaps more people can feel important, successful, whatever with the newest gadget because it is cheaper than said cars, houses, etc. Truly mind boggling and sad when you think of the true cost in labor as you stated and what all of that effort, time and money could accomplish instead of just purchasing power.
posted by
Katray2
on September 26, 2012 at 8:00 PM
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its that keeping up with the joneses attitude...being the first....so you can thumb your nose .... cuz if they run out by chance it wont matter to you...look at the cabbage patch dolls or beanie babies....and so on
posted by
Annicita
on September 26, 2012 at 7:37 PM
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It is beyond me. 
posted by
TAPS.
on September 26, 2012 at 5:48 PM
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Re:
Good comparison, C C T. My parents also grew up just after the Depression, and if they had a meal on the table each night, clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads, they were more than satisfied! People are just ridiculous today sometimes with these electronic devices. By the way, I'm almost afraid to ask but . . . what do you consider to be "moderate porn?"
posted by
JimmyA
on September 26, 2012 at 1:56 PM
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Re: I am the last person to ask. i don't own anything like that.
Of course that's much better, Kabu! The cell phone that both my wife and I own is so basic, so ordinary, so simple, because all we need is a phone to make calls with in case of an emergency! Yes, these new devices are amazing, but not worth sleeping on a sidewalk in the middle of the night for! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 26, 2012 at 1:53 PM
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Re:
Thank you, FSI. Thank you for basically agreeing with me whole heartedly. Unless the device would save the life of you or someone in your family, it can be waited for!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 26, 2012 at 1:50 PM
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A kind of lemming uncontrolled desire to get everything today. We had to save for months to get an old bicycle in the old days, but I can't ever remember being compelled to buy anything only a small book, moderate porn., but my Dad would not give me sixpence.
posted by
C_C_T
on September 26, 2012 at 12:01 PM
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I am the last person to ask. i don't own anything like that.
son took me into a cheapo store in Australia to by a $39.99 including tax. cell that can text and make calls and works for me in Australia. All I have to do is put some money on it when I reach Sydney airport. and that is all i need. I am hardly going to ring Wiley and tell him Hi and I like him standing right next to me...as he always is.
posted by
Kabu
on September 26, 2012 at 11:38 AM
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It is amazing how people get obsessed about this technology. I don't think there's any physical object that I would wait in a line for.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on September 26, 2012 at 10:01 AM
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