I love technology. I’m too poor to afford most of it, but it is shiny. It’s why I go to Apple stores whenever I can. For a few moments I can pretend to be able to afford REAL technology (sorry PC, I love you, but you kinda suck).
So the other day I walked into Borders (repressing the knowledge that Xmas exists and that families buy into the consumerism of the holidays) and it was a madhouse. It seems people only remember books exist when it comes to the holidays. As I entered the threshold I noticed the e-readers, all shiny and sleek. They were placed in my line of sight, so saps like me were bound to be intrigued by the display.
Before I could touch the Kindle a salesmen swooped down on his prey. “Need help with anything?”
No thanks, I’m just browsing.
“Are you sure? Are you looking for something as a gift for the holidays?”
Nah, just checking it out. I like technology.
“Would you like see the new ____?”
Um…no….
“Oh. Well did you know that this one is selling for…”
Is that what our economy has come to? Needy, desperate salesmen who don’t understand the word ‘no’? Am I supposed to let him down easy? Lie and tell him I’m in a relationship with Amazon.com? Or at this point do I have the right to be a blunt, angry consumer, tired of his games? I don’t want my bookstores to turn into my bar establishments. And my book salesmen to turn into female relationships.
Just another reason to buy most of my gadgets online, and to buy my books from the library.
