rostasi

Concept: Gift Cards

Idea: someone put some actual thought into getting me this card
because they know that I like to shop "there" instead of some lazy-ass
"here's a twenty and spend it on something" throwaway gesture.

Finality: as "attractive" as the idea may be, there is no inherent conspiracy behind gift cards.

Exo

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LastFM

SUPREME POO BAH MODERATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Exo

It is true though that a lot never get redeemed at the stores. I saw the numbers at Barnes and Noble. Were talking hundreds of thousands every year in unclaimed gift cards.

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LastFM

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rostasi

Yeah, true, but it's not because of some grand conspiracy
against the buying public. There are multiple, much less
incredulous, reasons for them not being used: they get lost ...
the person who received it really doesn't like that particular store ...
the person got their legs caught in a lawn mower accident
and can't drive to the store ...

I have a $50 online card for Dusty Groove that I haven't spent yet
because I can't find anything to spend it on there.

Exo

That's all I meant by it. OH has more creative ideas for why they don't get redeemed.

As far as Dusty Groove goes, I didn't know they had such an online presence. I forget where you live or if I ever knew at all but if you're in the Chicago area and are referring to not finding anything at their store location, Reckless Records is just an overall better Chicago digging experience IMO.

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LastFM

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rostasi

Yeah, "creative" is one way of putting it.

About 25 years ago, I started shopping at Dusty online,
but I'm probably more interested in buying books from them
these days I think. The guy who got the online gift for me
really knows my taste because he's sending me stuff all the time,
but I'm really trying to unload a lot of my physical stuff.
...and the last thing I need (or want) to do these days is to step
inside a record store. I've had too many years of
working/managing/owning them that I'd rather stay away.
Years and years and years of that was plenty.
(The Chicago store had some amazingly good and bad experiences especially).

Exo

Is this my future?

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Plankton

I haven't stepped in a record store since Hegewisch closed up in Cal City.

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rostasi

Possibly.
...and there's nothing inherently wrong with that.
You might reach a point where the stories of collectors
who think they have hot shit on a silver platter,
but actually have cold poop on a paper plate and other "events"
at the store may drive you into the hands of another "profession."

OccultHawk

It’s not a conspiracy but it is a racket. And companies love them for the reasons I said. Especially if it’s straight even money: $20 for a $20 card. I wouldn’t be surprised if companies started charging $25 for $20 cards. It’s not a conspiracy that business owners universally want to make as much money as possible.

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