Oh, I take advantage of the power of the internet in my shopping... but,
what I'm missing is being able to drive 10 minutes away, see 3 versions of
something I want to buy...
Good, better, best, and make a choice and walk out with it... not wait 2 to
5 days for shipping.
I support local businesses, especially those that maintain a level of
craftsmanship. They're dwindling.
Most often, I search for things made in the 60's or before, at garage sales,
flea markets, and antique stores.
-----Original Message-----
From Mark Hineline [mailto:hineline at ocotillofield.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 6:23 PM
To: Wm. Severin Thompson
Cc: Spridget List
Subject: Re: [midgetsprite] Re: Can't Make it Here Anymore
On Jan 5, 2006, at 3:16 PM, Wm. Severin Thompson wrote:
> All these mass merchandisers carry nothing but crap. If you want to buy
> anything but crap, you're out of luck.
Options:
1. Internet. I make most purchases via the internet. It's actually
easier to get high quality goods now than it ever was. I haven't tried,
but I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that you can get a damned good broom
via the internet if you know what you're looking for.
2. Small local craftsmen, like blacksmiths and welders. Tell them
exactly what you want and how well you want it made. Be willing to pay
the price for it. Make use of their down time. Be willing to work back
and forth between a couple craftspeople to get what you want.
3. Make it yourself. Better yet, make two, and sell one on ebay to
cover the costs. You're not the only one who hates to buy crap. House
fan? Build an oak frame, put on a nice grille and a handle, order a fan
motor and blades over the internet.
4. Develop an aesthetic that says "nothing off the shelf." Translate
that into Latin and hang it over your front door.
I agree with the basic complaint, but I've found all kinds of ways to
work around this problem.
Mark
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