Is it me or does it just seem like things are more low quality these days?

[OperationNumbNutts]

A quarter pounder patty used to stick out the bun.

Potato chip bags are filled with so much air to make it seem as if the bag is full.

Movies are trash now.

I agreed about movies until I see this. It makes sense.

 

[jadillac]

We are near 2023 and new cars are still only offering 30-40 mpg like it's something special.

True, but also remember car companies are in bed with oil/gas companies. So they can't make something shake unless oil/gas companies give them the okay.

If a car companies offered a 80/90 mpg vehicle, it would screw up the oil/gas industry (in their opinion) and the rest of the car market.

It's a dirty game.

 

[Spence]

True, but also remember car companies are in bed with oil/gas companies. So they can't make something shake unless oil/gas companies give them the okay.

If a car companies offered a 80/90 mpg vehicle, it would screw up the oil/gas industry (in their opinion) and the rest of the car market.

It's a dirty game.

That’s why EV’s have been slow to take over and now this “mining lithium is worse than gas cars” propaganda bs is going full lock. The days of taking your car into jiffy lube or the like are numbered.

 

[jadillac]

That’s why EV’s have been slow to take over and now this “mining lithium is worse than gas cars” propaganda bs is going full lock. The days of taking your car into jiffy lube or the like are numbered.

Yep.

But....

Some will fall by the wayside, however don't fool yourself, these oil/gas companies will soon pivot into becoming EV charging stations. Half gas pumps, half ev charging stations.

Exxon, Chevron, Mobil, etc will not go away and they will still control and regulate the auto industry. Too many billions at stake.

 

[010101]

everything worthwhile takes time*

 

[MajesticLion]

Expand the concept of planned obsolescence into other things than tech/appliances.

 

[Complexion]

I agreed about movies until I see this. It makes sense.

Not a lot of folks are aware of this but accountants run the creative fields now more than ever for reasons like this. Its why almost all fields of entertainment from gaming to movies to fragrances etc.. are churning out focus group tested retreads to appeal to the lowest common denominator and generate the most return on capital by neutralizing all risk by removing all chance taking/doing something different.

Its quite crazy because stuff like Rocky was made as a punt like loads of other classics were but now they'd never get off the drawing board. Thing is the consumers don't seem to care and are perfectly content with these variations on a theme. Same can be said of music and the rest not to mention the AI help that just ramps it up to ten and tunes out the human element completely.

Idiocracy meets the Matrix. Idiocratix.

 

[AngryBaby]

Makes sense, as capitalism becomes more "refined" products that can be streamlined for profit grows

 

[Wild self]

It is. Right down to the food we eat.

In capitalism, there is a theory that there is INFINITE growth. Can't be a such thing, as products that get mass produced often leads to weakening of quality in a planet of limited resources.

 

[Wild self]

Anyone thinking it could've gone any other way is naive af. Capitalism isn't for the consumer's benefit, it's for corporation to make more profit. Anything that actually benefits the consumer is just a byproduct.

Small businesses the same shyt too. People open small businesses with irrational superficial expectations and not deliver a quality product or innovative product to the marketplace, while charging crazy $$$ to the customers and pocket as much as they humanly can without re-investing in the product or the employees.

 

[Nigerianwonder]

This is the end result of unchecked capitalism mixed with industries controlled by monopolies with no competition. Government is needed to set quality standards cause companies will do the bare minimum as long as they are making money.

 

[OperationNumbNutts]

Small businesses the same shyt too. People open small businesses with irrational superficial expectations and not deliver a quality product or innovative product to the marketplace, while charging crazy $$$ to the customers and pocket as much as they humanly can without re-investing in the product or the employees.

Ehhh. I see your point but I'm 50/50 on this one. Many small business don't make enough to reinvest for several years. Also, they usually charge more because obtaining products to resell are usually more expensive than it is for larger companies. That also include the costs of retail space as well. I do agree some get over zealous thinking their product/service is more than it's actually worth.

 

[Spence]

Yep.

But....

Some will fall by the wayside, however don't fool yourself, these oil/gas companies will soon pivot into becoming EV charging stations. Half gas pumps, half ev charging stations.

Exxon, Chevron, Mobil, etc will not go away and they will still control and regulate the auto industry. Too many billions at stake.

It’s already happened here in Houston, Buccees all have Tesla super chargers and some Shells here have electrify america chargers. Once it takes 5 minutes or so to “fill up” then it’s a wrap for all gasoline gas stations.