It was interesting to read the author's timeline of ditching BigTechCo companies, like the switch to a Mac in 2013, away from Microsoft, and then ditching Apple entirely in 2022 & 2024. I've been a Linux desktop user since the late 90s/early 00s, but the lack of choice if you want/need a "mainstream" desktop and/or mobile OS is really disheartening. (I'd love to use GrapheneOS on my Pixel, but I've become reliant to a few things, like contactless payments, that won't work on Graphene.)
I'm also disillusioned with Amazon.com, but not sure about the alternatives. The author suggests eBay, but I'd worry about flaky sellers and counterfeit product just as much (if not more) than on Amazon. And switching to something like Walmart.com trades one force for bad for another. Even some of my old solid choices for certain things, like NewEgg for computer hardware, have devolved into a mess of unreliable third-party seller marketplaces. When making larger purchases, I'll gravitate toward manufacturer websites, but they often have worse pricing for the same product on Amazon, or with bizarrely long shipping timelines (like 3+ weeks).
I'm torn, because while I want an "everything store" like Amazon for convenience and predictable, consistent, fast shipping, I recognize that kind of store is really bad for competition, and for avoiding monopolists and big conglomerates.
chasing0entropy•2mo ago
I have been debating terminating my prime account, the only web service i pay for; reading articles like this go a long way towards encouraging even more aggressive action. Thank you
kelnos•2mo ago
I'm also disillusioned with Amazon.com, but not sure about the alternatives. The author suggests eBay, but I'd worry about flaky sellers and counterfeit product just as much (if not more) than on Amazon. And switching to something like Walmart.com trades one force for bad for another. Even some of my old solid choices for certain things, like NewEgg for computer hardware, have devolved into a mess of unreliable third-party seller marketplaces. When making larger purchases, I'll gravitate toward manufacturer websites, but they often have worse pricing for the same product on Amazon, or with bizarrely long shipping timelines (like 3+ weeks).
I'm torn, because while I want an "everything store" like Amazon for convenience and predictable, consistent, fast shipping, I recognize that kind of store is really bad for competition, and for avoiding monopolists and big conglomerates.