this post was submitted on 18 Sep 2025
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Bring back catalogs.
Who here remembers Computer Shopper?
When I want something, I'll come to you. Don't come to me.
Catalogs are still a thing. I pick up the mail and not only get catalogs from stores I purchased things at ten years ago, but the amount I see in the 'instant recycle bin' is insane.
I mean quality, and giant, compendiums for their industries/themes.
If some store sends me their catalogue, they're soliciting. That's the practice I want to go away.
Instead, say I am in the market for suits, I pick up a giant men's apparel catalogue which has ads from every source imaginable. This can be a website too, paper is optional. I come to them when I need something. Every apparel store, vendor, and dealer is in there. It is competitive and neutral. The owner of the catalogue may not sell their own things in the same catalogue (amazon breaks this important rule). The owner of the catalogue is regulated and may not reject ads for any reason in order to avoid bribes from the vendors to silence their competitors. The ads themselves are regulated and must be truthful and informative, without the psychological manipulations. Talk about the product and do not talk about how I will feel after the purchase.
That's the vision I have. Computer Shopper was pretty close to this.
I think McMaster still has a catalogue...
A-fucking-men