No, not a thread regarding RJR’s Premier & Eclipse Smokeless Cigarettes.
More a thread about the new product merchandiser I saw today that - for some inexplicable reason - actually made it to market. What am I referring to? The most recent example:
The CVS Disposable Digital Camera
I guess I didn’t see this all important addition to the world of photography when it first came out back in August of 2004. I must have been living under a rock last summer & completely missed the big Time Magazine ‘Gadget Of The Week’ proclamation. Today was my first encounter with these marvels of the technological age. They retail for a mere $19.99 - So hurry up folks! Line up and get 'em while they’re hot.
I may be totally underestimating the power of marketing - but does anyone, anywhere, have a practical need for a disposable digital camera? Can my sense that someone over at the CVS market research department fudged some numbers be that far off?
Boy oh boy, the disposable age has come long way baby!
50’s Plates & Cups? Fine.
60’s Diaper’s? No problemo
70’s Clothes? Whatever floats your boat
80’s Cigarette Lighters? Eh, No biggie…at least it helps keep a billion Chinese employed.
90’s Cell Phones? I’m starting to see a trend developing.
00’s Digital Sure, I know some of you will say, “Hey, I always wanted a disposable camera with that real cool preview window.” To which I’d ask, ‘aren’t those preview windows a little too small to actually be able to see if the photo needs to be retaken’
Yeah, you might say, “Hey, But they’re disposable! Now my digicam from CVS matches my 7-11 phone! Disposable is the way of the aughts.” To which I’d agree…and recommend to CVS they take the entire cardboard merchandiser off the sales floor an toss it in the dumpster out back.
I know, I know. You’re gonna remind me about this being a free society & the market will ultimately decide how important (or inconsequential) these gadgets become. OK. I’ll cede the point. But trust me, if you point one in my direction, you won’t need to remind me to, ‘say cheese.’
Come on people, it’s a one time only use camera, that costs $20. Which, if you come to think of it, is almost a quarter the price of this Vivatar non-disposable model.