The Thrill Is Gone.
Bill Bryson latest book is a memoir of his 50's childhood in Des Moines, Iowa. In a recent interview, he revealed how times have changed by relating his father's excitement upon bringing home a popcorn popper and commented that "No-one is thrilled by the purchase of a small appliance these days." That is the marketing challenge in an age of supposed plenty.
posted by john dodds @ 12:26 AM
6 Comments:
Great title - I was scared there for a minute that you were considering abandoning us!
BTW, I was absolutely thrilled to find a great toaster at Target. It was cheap, built well, and accommodated bagels! (It can even defrost - all this for under $40! - about all I would ever spend on a toaster).
But, alas, that's the first time in years that a purchase, other than a tech gadget, thrilled me.
Ann
I feel I've slumped a little lately but no I'm still blogging. Just not sure I'm saying anything. And of course I have still not installed stat-counter so no idea if anyone's reading.
John
I'm still reading John!
Bill Bryson is a great writer. What I love best is listening to his work on tape while I cook or wash dishes. Of course, sometimes my wife looks at me strangely when she hears me breaking out into barely-stifled laughter.
Chris -
I get that look from my husband (and strangers on the elliptical next to me) all the time when I'm listening to something on my iPod.
I'm sure she doesn't mind - after all you ARE washing dishes and cooking!!!!
(I felt compelled to comment since your comment made me laugh out loud - and now my dog is looking at me funny).
Really? Maybe people just are tired (too lazy?) of looking for a small appliance that excites them.
A touch of modern design and a cheap price will satisfy the need, but perhaps not the desire.
That popcorn popper was an innovation in 1950. Today, we need a far more original innovation to really excite us as consumers and users.
I get excited about handheld kitchen tools - especially those produced by OXO.
Colin
I agree, while I think the popcorn popper was just the specific example he gave, elsewhere in the conversation he said that the reaction was to all such products. It seems OXO has achieved the same for you and one hopes they will reap the rewards.
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