1 Like
Look around you. How many items would you sell back for the price you paid? What a deal if you could sell them back! Tip: Don't buy them in the first place and that deal can be yours. :) Very funny article.
I don’t need you
| January 18, 2013 | Posted by Hajra under Kvetch |
One of my all time favorite resolutions is reducing the crap I have around me. Or better, not getting more crap. A lot of people tell me that I am a miser and that I think too much before buying but then, I really don’t care what they say.
There are some things one really doesn’t need. There are many things I really don’t need. I get excited about the new products that can do anything and everything but then the excitement dies down within the first few days (or till I see the price).
Like last week, I read a news that there’s a new phone in town that is totally waterproof. They had a video showing that you can drop it in your bath and nothing happens. Last time I checked, I don’t really need waterproof phones. I don’t make calls while having a bath.
Maybe I will need it when I get addicted to clicking myself in the bathroom mirror and then desperately posting the photo on Instagram because I want the world to know how I look like in front of the bathroom mirror. Maybe then.
And some phones are bullet proof – because with the rise in crime you never know who will pull a gun a shoot your phone.
And then there’s this music player which stores 10,000 songs, or was it 50,000 songs? I will buy that one the day I can recall 5000 songs at a go. It might take me a whole day but it would be a good mind exercise.
IT’S SOMEBODY’S TRICK.. BUT WHO?
I know people who are still on the first version of their iPhones and iPads. They feel just fine and they haven’t required any kind of treatment. The constant upgraded versions, the ones that make you feel like “Oh God! How was I living without this! I so need it!”
There are just so many people who get excited about anything new in the market. Maybe it is about the marketing – they make you feel like you need it, not just want it. Maybe these products play with our minds.
But I am trying my best not to fall into that trap. Maybe I do get tempted and say “I want one” but then do I need one… not always? But having said that, I might spend money soon on a new, fully loaded phone that has everything I don’t need but want so much.
What are things that you don’t really need but want so much?
79 comments
1 Like
I am a tech junkie, I freely admit it. But I do try to wait a reasonable amount of time before getting a new piece of equipment or technology. I am on only my second iPhone, even though there have been many versions. I did not rush out and get the iPhone 5. By the time I get a new one, there will be iPhone 6 or so. I still have the first iPad I bought, the 2nd one they produced. Yes it isn't quite as superduper as the newest, but it functions just fine. It has been a struggle, but I try to remind myself that if something functions, and serves my needs, then that is enough. :D
Of course...there is that new Microsoft keyboard I just scored at work because of the surgery I had on my hand.... :D
@Cathy Tittle Sometimes resisting can be tough. I can understand but then you so love it after you get it that makes the guilt look minimal!
Latest blog post: Life slipping, miracles happening and life!
The idea of a water proof phone tempts me purely because I am a klutz.
Latest blog post: {this moment} Yallingup Maze - Reflections from a Red Head
2 Like
Like I've written before, I still don't own a smart phone. My hubby actually bought me an android a few wks back as a surprise but I told him to return it. Not that it wasn't cool but we found out the plan doesn't allow me to text to the PHils...no thanks. What I really want is something money can't buy....more calm in my life *sigh* I guess it's a need too!
@jpage.manuel More calm - you should do shoe shopping! :)
I have a smart phone but it isn't as smart because it is three years old! I just don't need it, so why bother!
1 Like
I know where you are moving from, Hajra. We are always tempted and sometimes an ad makes us want something that we didn't even know existed a few seconds ago. I am trying to buy what I really need and I tend to buy more and more online in order not to have pushy salesmen trying to sell me everything and their mother. I am trying to choose one good item as opposed to a dozen things I won't use. That said, I am work in progress, as I sometimes get tempted and regret it afterwards!
1 Like
Hi Hajra, You're exactly right. I don't recommend that people get new tech unless they really want it or absolutely need it. To upgrade tech just to have the latest is very, very expensive. I don't have the latest version of any of my tech. But what I have suits me just fine.
Where I need to follow your advice is with apps. I have way too many apps and I need to clear them off of my devices if I'm not using them.
Thanks for sharing your insights with us, Hajra!
@wonderoftech The tech thing is tempting. Every time I read about a new product on your website, I want to try it! :)
I am so controlled with apps. Only because I haven't got time with college going on. I have apps of all the newspapers and magazines! And now games too - I am addicted to word feud!
When you find the secret of letting go of apps, please pass it on!
1 Like
I think I'm one of those that waits for ages before upgrading anything to the latest model, but then I buy the previous version because it's cheaper lol ;)
Latest blog post: Starlight EP Which Was Played On @PointFMRhyl Is Now Free To Download
1 Like
@Hajra I think being a bit of a miser is the best way to be in this day and age, lets face it if it's not a life saving device etc then do we really need it, whatever it is ;)
1 Like
@BlazingMinds We do need to be misers! Thank you for supporting! I will make my siblings read this!
1 Like
Oh I totally agree. I get a new phone about every 2 years. I'm not going to lie that I get tempted by the newest and greatest but I don't need it. I keep thinking we "need" a tablet in the house but really we don't! We have our smartphones, a laptop and a desktop computer.... oh and my nook (older version no touch screen). We do not need a tablet in our house!!!And its not just tech stuff... its other stuff that just builds up in your home. My husband and I spent a good party of a year cleaning out our stuff and I'm amazed at house fast everything fills up again. Sigh... :)
@mandasachs I am so tempted by phones but somehow have not bought one for the past four years! :) And somehow no matter how much you say no you end up bringing things into the house and before you know it, they are in control! Sigh indeed!
1 Like
Interesting - I've always wondered who buys all the brand new stuff, especially the new iPads and iPhones that they wait for hours in line for. Not I. I wait until my Droid dies before getting a new one. (had to recently) If it's not broke, why fix it right? Right now I can't think of anything I really want that I don't need. I think the older you get the less you want "stuff." I would just want more TIME.
1 Like
Oh there is so much stuff I can live without. I am probably one of the few that doesn't own a cell phone. I grew up without a phone from the time I was 6 until I was probably 14. My dad drove taxi and when it moved to the country he didn't want a phone. Would not have got one if my brother hadn't needed it for work. I was one of the last hold outs to buying a microwave. I can get by without it, whatever it is, but then again I do like new things. I am just not persuaded by the latest and greatest mentality.
Fun post.
Mary
1 Like
@Mary Stephenson I am so proud that you are doing well without things you don't really need! Sometimes we just bring on things which we really don't need and can do fine without!
Thanks for coming by!
1 Like
Oh Hajra,
I'm worse then you girl. I don't even own an iPad or an iPhone for that matter. I don't need that crap, the stuff I have right now does the trick. I've never been one of those people who has to have the latest and greatest new thing out. I could care less, I've never been materialist and I never will.
I agree, less is best so you go girl. Trust me, you won't lose any sleep over it I promise you.
~Adrienne
@AdrienneSmith Way to go! Sometimes I get tempted and go ahead and get it. Like I just got the latest iPad and yes, I love it. :)
1 Like
Want but don't need are the important words. I am with you. I am tired of the junk that i really don't need. i got myself a new phone, now i need to take a day off and study how to use this phone. Didn't really need it, but there was a football game I didn't want to miss. Life does go on!!
We can get to stuck on things. Instead of going to the mall to buy something that we really don't need, we should say, 'I am going to the mall to see how many people I can meet." We build memories with people not things.
Thanks fort sharing.
Debbie
@happymakernowco I would agree how it takes hours to learn how to handle new things. It took me days to understand how many features the iPad has! And I am still learning!
I like the point about building memories with people! We miss out on that! :)
2 Like
You know, I just got back from a screening on a documentary about women and media. One thing I really got out of the night is that advertising is made to make us feel anxious. I'll never forget that because it really reframes ads to me. They're usually not there to help me figure out what I need (if ever). They're mostly about making me feel like I don't have enough, never have enough. That's a yucky feeling. =P So I'll shout it too, "I don't need you!" =)
@Samantha Bangayan Like I said somewhere in the comment section here, they know how to tempt you and make you feel that it is all that matters. Sometimes it gets confusing and I wouldn't say I don't indulge sometimes (shoes mostly!).
1 Like
I love the title of this post.
Darn it! I said to myself, by golly you DO need me. Yes, yes, it's all about me. Sheesh.
Great point. This happens so often that I can't stand it. Just like responsive design and feedblitz. I still use feedburner which everyone said is dead (I may eat my words) and my website is not responsive. It still looks good on a mobile device (I may eat my words). I really don't want to succumb to the pressure but a new website design, a new laptop and a new tablet would be so pleasurable. What would change in my world? Likely not much.
The market relies on our weakness for the best and the brightest. We can try to fight it but eventually it will get us all. Redundancy is built in these days. That's why, in my opinion, good design is so crucial. If it were not for good design what would drive the need for something new, improved or better?
@rdopping LOL! I am trying attractive headlines! Looks like it is working! :) It is all about you, really.
I read your blog on my iPad and its fine there, no issues. By mobile version do you mean something smaller? I want a new web design too but I am still thinking!
The marketing world has some of the most amazing minds ever; they know how to play around with the consumers feelings and make them want it so bad! And design is where the hypnotizing starts right? ;)
1 Like
Hajra - I'm in an interesting point in my life where everything I own fits and sometimes stored in my vehicle. haha
So, the question is very simple - will this fit into my car? If not, then I'm not buying it.It makes buying decisions very simple:)
We live in an economy where marketers know that we will buy stuff to make ourselves feel good. They do it because they make money. We do it because we think it fills a void or makes us feel good.
@Vishnu's Virtues That must be tough as I see it, but if it works for you then okay. And yes, if only buying decisions were so simplified! For me its more about affording it, needing it and whether I am actually desperate without it. :)
The feel good factor is what makes ice cream parlors and shoe stores such a craze!
1 Like
My father falls into that trap. He loves getting the new iPad. The problem is that Mom will never sign-off on him having 2 iPads, so he has given his first and second iPads to me. I use them both and love them. I probably write 60% of my novels on my iPads, using my blue tooth keyboard. I can't wait until number four comes out, because the iPad three looks pretty cool.
Latest blog post: Anyone want to Beta?
@ExtremelyAvg I should have been your sibling, we could have then fought for those free iPads. Here we have shops that offer an exchange price for bringing in old electronics and taking the newer version for a reduced price.
1 Like
Hajra I totally am in your camp on this one. I still have my iphone from almost 4 years ago. It works just fine, has all I need and then some. I find the bells and whistles interesting but the really don't serve any new need of mine. I need to answer emails, texts and the phone.
Too many people are living from wants in order to try to fill a need that an new gadget or cool boots will not really do. They live beyond their means too and it's heartbreaking because they keep trying to the that same old 'shopping therapy' or the keeping up with the Jones and then wonder why life is harder than it has to be.My grandmother once told me I can like something just fine in the shop. It doesn't need to come home with me. Not to say I don't have nice things but I am selective and go by the rule if it doesn't serve a purpose - what's the purpose?
@MyRivendell I think I take it from my mom, she has a really old phone and says it serves her all right and she doesn't need something fancy! She says she'd rather spend the money on clothes! :)
Shopping therapy makes one feel nice but if one can't afford it then it will make you feel worse when the credit bills come knocking!
The purpose is what should be kept in mind! :) Thanks for stopping by!
1 Like
Such a fun way to draw a distinction between our 'needs' and 'wants', Hajra. I'm learning every day to draw the distinction - sometimes I indulge myself - but most times not.
1 Like
We do not need it but it is nice to have! I am not an early adopter and in all honesty I can say I use about 10 % of all my gadgets' capacities so why would I need the latest version if ... I have more than my basic needs covered: I live in a beautiful home, I own more cloths than I can ever wear, food and drink is always plentiful, there is a lovely car outside waiting to take me anywhere I please. Does this make me a happier person? NO.
My smart phones have an average lifespan of 2 years and then they start having a life of their own, refusing to perform what I want them to do! Coincidence as that is the normal contract period of my phone company?
You'd be surprised what people can do with phones: my daughter dropped hers in the toilet bowl and the rice trick worked wonders as well. Another time she did not fare that well (somebody dropped in a beer tumbler at a party?) and the phone company refused to honour their warranty conditions, seems they have a tag inside the phone and there is no warranty on humidity!
Latest blog post: YOUR TURN! Lori’s Winter Tabbouleh!
@Late_Bloomers Ah, @HollyJahangiri told me about the rice trick now and here's another proof! I am happy if I can receive all my calls. My family members keep telling me that I need to take their calls - my mobile is always far far away from me.
But I still am not convinced very easily when a new product comes out. I like it, but then I will be like eh...
The only thing I get excited about is shoes... you know that part of me! :)
1 Like
If i had more cash I might turn into an early adopter, but I usually find that if my "XYZ" is only a couple of generations removed from the most current version things work out just fine.
@Joshua Wilner/A Writer Writes I just spend all my cash on books and shoes. Each one of them is the perfect version. :)
@Joshua Wilner/A Writer Writes If I had more cash, I would be an early adopting junkie. Given unlimited resources, tech stuff would come much higher on the list of wants than homes or cars. I'd probably spend 50K on a computer, before I'd consider spending the same on a car.
Latest blog post: Anyone want to Beta?
@ExtremelyAvg @Joshua Wilner/A Writer Writes I wouldn't spend so much on tech stuff. Maybe a new phone or a laptop and that's it. But yes, I would spend so much more on a car even if it means not having a phone. Or wait, was it shoes? ;)
1 Like
Hajra - Here I am, commenting on your article, with my ALL NEW Sony VAIO laptop with WIndows 8 and an intel i7 processor, 8GB RAM and a TB of HDD, backlit keyboard which is just awesome and which is what i craved for and upgraded myself from my older HP laptop :-)
Yes, i do crave for new gadgets and i just cant stop, i would love if i could get them free of course, but anyways, no complaints whatsoever.
@techivy11 Stop tempting me.... stop it, right now! ;)
I am typing on a laptop which is three years old and is just fine! :)
1 Like
@techivy11 Is it wrong that I salivated when I read the specs of your new computer?
Latest blog post: Anyone want to Beta?
[...] But of course, there are other phones which serves the basic needs of making & receiving calls, sending & receiving text messages etc…for all those who are satisfied with with these features, maybe you should head-over to Hajra’s latest article here – I Dont Need You. [...]