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Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

d'Kong76 Jul 31 2017 08:59 PM

I had Prime for the (I think) first year it was out and paid ~$60 for it. I think we bought like three things... so much for 'free' shipping.' Yesterday we went to Wal-ly World, Home Depot and PetSmart. There were people there. Some weird ones at Wal-ly World but that's to be expected. What's next? Online neighbors and friends? Oh, wait. When Al Gore and I invented the internet, we did not intend Amazon to become the amazon it has become. Disclaimer: We own several mutual funds that are heavily invested in AMZN.

Ceetar Jul 31 2017 09:04 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I probably do 60% of all shopping at Amazon, 30% at the super market for groceries and we're debating moving some of that to Amazon too.

themetfairy Jul 31 2017 09:13 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

A few months ago we finally got Prime - I was going to order a $8 item and it was going to cost an additional $6 without Prime in shipping so I caved. Since then we've been enjoying it, and the free shipping will definitely outweigh the cost of Prime over a year. Plus there are hard to find items that I have found on Amazon. For instance, just this weekend I was shopping for a collander - a simple item, but I wanted one that would reach across the sink, that would be big enough for pasta, that would fit with my other similar items without having to rearrange everything, etc. I couldn't find what I wanted at Bed, Bath & Beyond or at Target, but I have one on order from Amazon that should arrive in today's mail (the mail is ridiculously late where I live, but that's a rant for a different day). D-Dad downloads tons of books from the Kindle store, which he enjoys, and we'll watch the occasional tv show or movie (we finally got to see our neighbor's daughter's appearances on Mozart in the Jungle). Plus for the first time in well over a decade I let my Barnes & Noble subscription lapse, because having the two is redundant and B&N doesn't offer nearly as much as Amazon does, so that cuts against the cost of Prime. I haven't consumed the Prime Kool Aid, but I've been pleased with it and feel that I do take advantage of it.

d'Kong76 Jul 31 2017 09:25 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Funny, I glanced at B&N yesterday and thought, 'wow that's still open.'

dgwphotography Jul 31 2017 09:43 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Amazon is my last-gasp-if-I-can't-find-it-anywhere-else place. I soured on them when they buckled to Malloy's tax demands. If I'm ordering something Camera/computer/electronics oriented, my first stop is B&H. Free shipping, no CT taxes, and I always get it the next day. If I'm looking for a book - I go to the library. If I'm looking for the rare blu-ray, I buy local.

themetfairy Jul 31 2017 09:47 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

d'Kong76 wrote: Funny, I glanced at B&N yesterday and thought, 'wow that's still open.' Not as many, and the service is nowhere near what it used to be :(

Chad Ochoseis Jul 31 2017 10:03 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I mainly use Amazon if there's a book I want to download to my Kindle app or an album that I want to purchase as an .mp4. Otherwise, it's Walmart without the bricks and mortar. Packages get swiped off stoops in my neighborhood, so I prefer not to have things delivered by mail. When I'm in the market for electronics or food, Costco is usually my first choice. There's a good cooking supply place not far from me if I need kitchen tools. Bicycling stuff from the Performance bike shop on the other side of town. Furniture from Ikea. There aren't any around here - Cleveland is the largest metro area in the US without one - but I stop at the Elizabeth store when I go back to Jersey. Or I buy used. Most of those places were less expensive than Amazon even before states began started cracking down on sales tax collection. If I need small quantities of fresh food or specialty food, this fantastic place is a quick bike ride away, and if they don't have what I need, there's a supermarket up the street from there. No tax on food in Ohio, anyway. Every once in a while, there's something that I can't find anywhere else, and I'll use Amazon and track the package closely. But they're generally my last resort.

Ashie62 Aug 01 2017 12:15 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I buy almost all gifts for people via Amazon.

Lefty Specialist Aug 01 2017 12:57 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

We do not buy from Amazon because they are out to destroy the business we work in (Publishing). They're also out to destroy a whole bunch of other businesses, but that's the one they started with. It's possible to survive without them, and we do.

MFS62 Aug 01 2017 01:11 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I don't use Amazon. Later

Ceetar Aug 01 2017 03:56 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Lefty Specialist wrote: We do not buy from Amazon because they are out to destroy the business we work in (Publishing). They're also out to destroy a whole bunch of other businesses, but that's the one they started with. It's possible to survive without them, and we do. pretty sure publishing is not going anywhere as a whole, and it's a whole lot of self-sabotage that's easy to blame on Amazon rather than adapt.

41Forever Aug 01 2017 10:25 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I buy something occasionally. Maybe four or five times a year. Most of my relatives live out of state, so it's easier to buy and send gifts through Amazon.

Lefty Specialist Aug 01 2017 12:15 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Ceetar wrote: Lefty Specialist wrote: We do not buy from Amazon because they are out to destroy the business we work in (Publishing). They're also out to destroy a whole bunch of other businesses, but that's the one they started with. It's possible to survive without them, and we do. pretty sure publishing is not going anywhere as a whole, and it's a whole lot of self-sabotage that's easy to blame on Amazon rather than adapt. Perhaps. I'd rather not adapt to sitting on my ass rather than going out and shopping for the things I need, but that's just me. I imagine eventually I'll have to buy from Amazon once they crush the retail industry (been to a shopping mall lately?), but I'm in no rush just yet.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 01 2017 12:39 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I've placed 28 orders so far on Amazon.com in 2017. I had 54 Amazon orders in 2016. So I guess I use it a lot. The only things I buy in stores anymore are food and clothing, and I rarely buy clothing. (I already HAVE clothing!) I definitely understand the objections to Amazon, but shopping online is so much more convenient than going to a store. And with Prime, I usually get my orders within two days (not every item is available for Prime shipping) and I also get to use Prime as a streaming service for movies and TV shows.

themetfairy Aug 01 2017 01:44 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Last night D-Dad and I went to Road Runner Sports, which is my favorite brick and mortar running store. I wanted to try on a pair of shoes, and they didn't have it in my size. The young lady informed me that I could find them online. Sadly, this isn't an unusual occurrence. It's easier for me to order the shoes, try them on at home, and then either return them via UPS or in the store if they don't fit me right than to make the drive for nothing.

Ceetar Aug 01 2017 01:50 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I've placed 28 orders so far on Amazon.com in 2017. I had 54 Amazon orders in 2016. . 114 so far. 144 last year. On top of that, Prime is practically free via the bonus credit card points for shopping on Amazon.

metsmarathon Aug 01 2017 01:53 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

i prefer to do all my shopping at buy'n'large

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 02:08 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Ceetar wrote: 114 so far. 144 last year. You're gonna have to build a warehouse in your back yard.

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 02:10 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

"Honey, can you get me some diapers please?" "Ok, I'll get the forklift."

Ceetar Aug 01 2017 02:36 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

d'Kong76 wrote: "Honey, can you get me some diapers please?" "Ok, I'll get the forklift." lol, like we don't churn through diapers faster than we can buy them. ;-) Most of it's consumables though. We have a monthly subscription for tissues, toilet paper, diapers, coffee, cat food, soap, toothpaste, shower filter, vitamins, etc. These are things I literally don't even have to think about anymore. We just always have toilet paper. We never run out of cat food.

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 02:45 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Sounds like our monthly trip to BJ's, only insert dog for cat...

Ceetar Aug 01 2017 02:52 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

d'Kong76 wrote: Sounds like our monthly trip to BJ's, only insert dog for cat... right, but instead of paying to go there, I pay to have it plopped at my door, plus get 5-15% off each item.

Fman99 Aug 01 2017 03:49 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

41Forever wrote: I buy something occasionally. Maybe four or five times a year. Most of my relatives live out of state, so it's easier to buy and send gifts through Amazon. This is my normal pattern as well. I spend way more per year at Walmart than I do at Amazon.

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 04:24 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Ceetar wrote: d'Kong76 wrote: Sounds like our monthly trip to BJ's, only insert dog for cat... right, but instead of paying to go there, I pay to have it plopped at my door, plus get 5-15% off each item. I understand, it just fascinates me that people get their toilet paper delivered. I've also read that toilet paper is much cheaper at Wal-ly World. Forget where.

sharpie Aug 01 2017 04:29 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Like Lefty Specialist, I don't buy from them at all for the same reason (publishing). I like living in neighborhoods where there are stores and I don't like shipping all of my money to Seattle. For that matter, I hardly buy from any chain stores and won't if a neighborhood store has the same item. I might pay a little more but, again, I like living in a world where there are bookstores and hardware stores and clothing stores, etc.

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 04:48 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

sharpie wrote: I like living in neighborhoods where there are stores and I don't like shipping all of my money to Seattle. For that matter, I hardly buy from any chain stores and won't if a neighborhood store has the same item. I might pay a little more but, again, I like living in a world where there are bookstores and hardware stores and clothing stores, etc. I'm half-half, I do like our local hardware store. We call it Tiffany's.

themetfairy Aug 01 2017 05:16 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I live in a world where I have no shopping within a reasonable walking distance. That plus the fact that I seriously hate driving make me more open to the online alternatives.

Ceetar Aug 01 2017 05:22 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

d'Kong76 wrote: d'Kong76 wrote: Sounds like our monthly trip to BJ's, only insert dog for cat... right, but instead of paying to go there, I pay to have it plopped at my door, plus get 5-15% off each item. I understand, it just fascinates me that people get their toilet paper delivered. I've also read that toilet paper is much cheaper at Wal-ly World. Forget where. just checked, at least online, Amazon is still cheaper. Diapers are the cheapest there too. The toilet paper comes in a huge box and it's amusing, but it makes a good receptacle to pile cardboard recycling into.

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 05:31 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

To clarify an earlier post, I don't buy (need) diapers. Yet. People in Russia used to wait on line for toilet paper. We have it delivered. For free. USA USA USA

Ceetar Aug 01 2017 05:52 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

and delivered fast! We're going to start Amazon Fresh soon (especially given the Whole Foods acquisition). The idea that I can be like "Crap, forgot to get milk yesterday" at lunch and fire up Amazon and have it waiting when I get home is priceless. Actually it's more like "Crap, I pulled the milk up from the basement fridge and left it on the counter all day, I need more"

Nymr83 Aug 01 2017 07:02 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

If I can get it from Amazon, I will. why spend time I could spend doing something else at a store?

d'Kong76 Aug 01 2017 07:48 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I hope people aren't taking this the wrong way, it's just a discussion of an amazing phenomenon. How we get stuff has changed so much in the last decade. I'm not convinced that having an Amazon is the best thing in the long grand scheme of a lot of things. We'll see.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 01 2017 10:11 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I try to shop like sharpie and lefty but fall back to Amazon when I can't get the dog toy or the record I want at the dog toy or record store, or the dog toy or record store price for what I want is past the "C'mon, now that's too damn much" artificial threshold I put on 'paying a little extra' to shop at mom & pop's place. To answer KC's question posed in the thread title, my mom does not Amazon. My little bro wanted to get one of those giant red bows you put on a car in a Christmas-time Lexus ad, and my mom, bless her heart, went to like 20 different stores trying (unsuccessfully) to find one. I bought it on Amazon after, like, 4 clicks and 45 seconds. Beyond that, I don't think I know anyone else who abstains.

d'Kong76 Aug 02 2017 04:38 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

SO... I re-registered with Amazon Prime. I need to do some propane grill maintenance and the parts were 1/3 the price of what they were from Sears (it's a Kenmore grill). Thirty day free trial. This could be dangerous.

themetfairy Aug 02 2017 05:20 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Yeah, I thought I was doing the 30-day free trial too. It's addictive....

TransMonk Aug 02 2017 05:39 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I'm torn on Amazon. Up until recently, I was in charge of ordering all computer/hardware/software for a completely remote business with 30ish employees. Amazon made it very easy to accomplish that and the free 2-day shipping was essential. The ability to run reports made the expense reimbursement for these items and controlling asset management very easy for a small company. Without looking, I can say without doubt that I have placed multiple hundreds of orders with Amazon over the past five years between home and work. But, my wife and I also own a small retail business that is always competing with national chain stores. So, I try not to get carried away with ordering too many personal items on Amazon. My general rule is that if I can find what I'm looking for locally (20-ish miles) without shopping at a big-box store (Walmart, Best Buy, etc.) I will take the time to seek it out in my town even if it costs a little more. But if it takes me more than a half-hour to track down in my town, or I'm just going to go to Walmart anyway, I'll take a look at prices on Amazon. Ultimately, it makes me sound more dickish than I'd like, but time is money, so sometimes I take advantage of having it show up at my door...especially if I don't need it RIGHT THIS MINUTE. But if I know I can find what I'm looking for at the hardware, pharmacy, book store down the street, then I will go there. As far as publishing goes, I've gone pretty much completely digital there. I have an Audible subscription (which I believe is part of the Amazon family) that charges me $25ish a month for two titles that I can add to my collection. Honestly, I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing for the publishing industry.

d'Kong76 Aug 02 2017 06:04 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I find it amusing days after I bring up d'zon I'm on the hook again. It was a coincidental case of dollars and sense for some somewhat obscure grill parts. Pay Amazon $30 some- thing and get free shipping or pay Sears (directparts or something like that) $100 some- thing and pay for shipping. I am kinda intrigued about getting some stuff we would normally get at a warehouse store like BJ's delivered for 'free' each month. I have a free month to comparison shop I guess. We live in a small city and go downtown a couple of time a month on weekends and shop and eat. I hope the revival of our downtown is never threatened by the likes of Amazon or place like BJ's (Sam's, Costco, etc.) but we'll see.

themetfairy Aug 02 2017 06:15 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I don't know whether you have a smart tv (we've only had one since last November). but if you find a show or movie that you like on Amazon Prime it's really nice to be able to watch it on the big set rather than hunched over your computer.

d'Kong76 Aug 02 2017 06:23 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Our main tv is 'smart,' I'll have to check it out. I'd never watch a movie on a computer, tablet, or *gasp* a phone. You know we're living in a society!

cooby Aug 02 2017 06:33 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Just got my credit card bill with Amazon prime renewal a little over $100. I don't think they prewarn you of that.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 02 2017 06:36 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

themetfairy wrote: I don't know whether you have a smart tv (we've only had one since last November). but if you find a show or movie that you like on Amazon Prime it's really nice to be able to watch it on the big set rather than hunched over your computer. I can watch Amazon Prime on my smart TV using its core functionality, or I can watch it through the app that's on my TiVo box. I also would never watch a movie on a phone or laptop. I've watched half-hour TV shows on my phone a couple of times, but it's not something I typically do.

themetfairy Aug 02 2017 07:33 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

In the past I've occasionally watched movies on my computer if they have Academy Award nominations and are not showing in local theaters (by local, I have gone to NYC, Philly and Asbury Park in order to see nominated films before the Oscar ceremonies) or on On Demand. There is also the magic of watching something on YouTube and being able to "cast" it to my smart TV. It's science fucking fiction, I tell you!

Ceetar Aug 02 2017 07:50 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Just wait. We're not far from you posting something like "I really need to see Guardians of the Galaxy" on Facebook, and your TV prompting you to view the movie next time you turn it on.

themetfairy Aug 02 2017 07:53 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Well, I shut off as many notifications as I can get away with. I know they all know what I'm watching and doing - I just choose not to be constantly reminded of it.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 02 2017 08:39 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Ceetar wrote: Just wait. We're not far from you posting something like "I really need to see Guardians of the Galaxy" on Facebook, and your TV prompting you to view the movie next time you turn it on. You can do that with TiVo. You can make a wishlist for Guardians of the Galaxy and tell it to autorecord. I know that's a step or two away from what you're suggesting, and you're right, it's probably just a matter of time. The notifications I get from Google on my smartphone are sometimes rather creepy. "We noticed that you were at Wegmans. Other users like seeing photos of Wegmans. You should take photos at Wegmans and share them."

batmagadanleadoff Aug 02 2017 10:36 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

One takeaway I seem to be getting from this thread is that people don't read physical books as much as they used to. It's all electronic and downloadable and kindle. Not me. I still like my real books. I like to touch them and hold them and turn the pages.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 02 2017 11:04 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I have yet to read my first ebook. I too like the feel of a book in my hands.

TransMonk Aug 02 2017 11:14 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Benjamin Grimm wrote: The notifications I get from Google on my smartphone are sometimes rather creepy. I live across the street from a funeral home. One several occasions Facebook has asked me if I was there (though I'm sitting on my couch) and if I would like to check in. Creepy. batmagadanleadoff wrote: One takeaway I seem to be getting from this thread is that people don't read physical books as much as they used to. It's all electronic and downloadable and kindle. Not me. I still like my real books. I like to touch them and hold them and turn the pages. I feel the way you do about books when it comes to record albums. Audible is really no different than books on tape except that they are digital and mobile. I listen to narrated books while I run, commute and walk the dog. I definitely finish more books this way.

themetfairy Aug 02 2017 11:41 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I prefer physical books. Especially when I can order them with free shipping.

Ceetar Aug 03 2017 02:04 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

so over real books. my kindle never requires me to find a lighted spot, is always small and light enough to read virtually anywhere, doesn't require me to carry multiple books if i'm going somewhere, or really any weight if i'm going anywhere. Doesn't collect dust and clutter up my house in exponential fashion. Is much easier to read one handed, to prop up against something and read no-handed. And I can have a book immediately. You get a book recommendation and can be reading almost as soon as the words are out of the recommenders mouth.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 03 2017 02:26 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

That seems so... sterile. I'm not at all interested in that. And I've never listened to an audio book. I think my mind would wander and I'd miss half of it.

Nymr83 Aug 03 2017 04:11 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

themetfairy wrote: I prefer physical books. Especially when I can order them with free shipping. that is exactly where i'm at.

metsmarathon Aug 03 2017 01:10 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

i've a nook hd for a few years that i don't think i've ever actually finished reading a (grownup) book on. while i don't really read (grownup) books nearly often enough, i much prefer paper to screen, though i might have a different opinion if i had an e-ink reader instead of a glowing screen.

metirish Aug 03 2017 01:17 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I am a heavy Prime user, Amazon Fire TV etc, I find it to be great value.

sharpie Aug 03 2017 01:19 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I have a Kindle gathering dust somewhere. When it was a new thing it was a shiny toy but I so prefer physical books. Plus, the whole don't shop at Amazon thing. I spend enough of my time looking at glowing screens that I'd rather not do so when there is a frankly better alternative.

Ceetar Aug 03 2017 02:29 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

metsmarathon wrote: i've a nook hd for a few years that i don't think i've ever actually finished reading a (grownup) book on. while i don't really read (grownup) books nearly often enough, i much prefer paper to screen, though i might have a different opinion if i had an e-ink reader instead of a glowing screen. Did you know there's a Knuffle Bunny Free book!? It arrives today! I literally can't remember the last paper book I read. I need to get back to reading more, there's just so many things to consume these days (both good and bad) that sometimes books, particularly ones that aren't part of a series or author I already know i'll love, don't get the attention they should. Though i've been reading mostly via audiobook during my commute when I do read. The e-ink is definitely WAY better than the glowing screen imo. That's key. It doesn't feel like looking at a computer.

d'Kong76 Aug 03 2017 02:59 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I've never read a book or magazine on a device nor plan to any time soon. I'm cool with nearly paperless accounting (I stare at a laptop and two desktop monitors 4-5 days a week) but I reject the whole move to digital reading. I'm a dinosaur, but I've been called far worse here.

themetfairy Aug 03 2017 03:30 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

D-Dad absolutely loves his Kindle - it's small, light and efficient. I've never warmed up to e-books. If I'm reading for pleasure I like having a book in my hand. I like leafing back to earlier parts of a book if something rings a bell later on, and it's easier and more relaxing for me to be able to do that with an actual book than electronically.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 03 2017 03:35 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I like that every book is different. Different cover, different weight, different dimensions.

d'Kong76 Aug 03 2017 03:48 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

KB had a Nook for years until it died. I think B&N discontinued them anyway. I'm re-reading a beat up copy of The Boys of Summer, the thought of reading it on a tablet gives me the heebie jeebies.

metsmarathon Aug 03 2017 04:02 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

owning a book (or borrowing a book) has a more tangible realness to it, a personal ownership of the ideas and information and its transference into your own experiences, that a collection of invisible 1s and 0s just doesn't reach into. the same feeling is true of digital music (downloads and streaming alike) versus actual tangible music storage (even CDs). The fear is that you're just one good EMP away from all that being lost forever. end yes, i do realize there's a tremendous gaping hole in my logical consistency in that i've got tens of thousands of digital photos and terrifyingly few tangible prints of said photos. and it unnerves the shit out of me. ephemeral vs tangible media seems a somewhat different topic, though highly interwoven, than whether or not you use amazon. actually, wait, no, its the same thing. tangible store versus ephemeral store. totally on topic - woohoo! um, carry on.

Lefty Specialist Aug 03 2017 07:28 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I actually print out my best photos. I take hundreds, and most are worthless, but the good ones I feel a need to physically keep. I'm not a great photographer, but I got a picture of my son marching out after graduation. He's just turned his head my way, and the tassel is flying out and he has a big smile on his face. Not the forced, 'get-it-over-with, dad' smile, but a real one. The background is blurred, but he's in sharp focus. I probably couldn't take a picture like that again in a thousand tries. I'm not worried about an EMP, but deleting it accidentally with a fat finger or just losing my phone. So I printed it out and it sits on my desk. I want to keep all the good ones. And yes, I get the attraction of putting a book on your tablet or having a million pictures at your fingertips. As for music, I have an Ipod- it's an ancient model that my son had and I took over. But I also have an enormous 400-cd changer and 4 crates of records and a turntable, so I'm all over the place. :)

Benjamin Grimm Aug 11 2017 01:00 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

41Forever Aug 11 2017 02:16 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

(dpmjfl) OK, I've been trying to guess for a week. What does this mean?

Frayed Knot Aug 11 2017 03:03 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Actually he reversed two of the letters, the original acronym* was DMPJFL which stood for Dumbass Message Posted Just For Laughs, a sign you would put in the Subject Heading of your post to indicate that your following point wasn't to be taken all that seriously. The origin go back a ways. Ya kinda had to be there. * and yes I know it's not a true acronym because it's not pronounceable but I'm using that term here anyway

d'Kong76 Aug 11 2017 03:47 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I was going with: D umbass P ost M eant J ust F or L aughs I've bought three things so far in the past weeks, I'd say that's pretty restrained!

Frayed Knot Aug 11 2017 04:02 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

d'Kong76 wrote: I was going with: D umbass P ost M eant J ust F or L aughs That version works too.

41Forever Aug 11 2017 09:34 PM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

Ah! Now I get it.

Fman99 Aug 12 2017 03:00 AM Re: Do You or Anyone You Know Not Use Amazon? (dpmjfl)

I much prefer e-books to real books. For two reasons; first, there are hundreds of free books available for download, and second, my backlit Nook allows me to read in bed after my wife has gone to bed without having to mess around with a clip style reading light. I buy a stack of books each summer from the local library book sale, and read those, but aside from that, I have not bought a paper/cover book from a retailer in many years.