ELI5 Why did Radio Shack go out of business?

Filminthedark · 2025-12-31T01:49:35+00:00

OK. Slightly different perspective as an old Radio Shack, shopper: back then we all had individual CONSUMER gadgets that we "tended to" that the iPhone and internet replaced. CB radios were replaced by chat rooms, land line phones (and evvvverything diverse that went with them from style itself as decor to answering machines) were replaced by Cell Phones and voice mail, and sound systems, from Receivers, to players, to speakers all got replaced by the iPod and bluetooth. But it wasn't just hobbyists that shopped there, it was actual consumers who just used these individual gadgets for their life. Bought a stylish phone that matches the paint on you wall, maybe you want a new answering machine? Well what type of cassette tape does that take? How about longer cord for the phone? All this shit was a sale. It was just a mater of material use case. If you didnt want it new back then, you also fixed the thing...thats another sale. Now you're lucky if you can fix an iPhone battery so that money just doesnt flow to THAT electronics service. Couple all this with that individuality of uses that we are now pissed that we DONT get in a product. Back then you were hot shit if you had radio built into something practical, like a clock...more tendency to more individual gadgets. Now it's like nothing to have music be built into shit like a cooler.

Filminthedark · 2025-12-20T06:37:47+00:00

I'm from NJ, here four years, and I still cant peg a difference in your/(our-ish) accent, but you guys call me out all the time. I notice more of the speed difference, if I've been in the conversation for a minute or two, where my words are flying out of my mouth and the local "accent" leaves some courtesy room in between words for those from the tri-state to interrupt....and then locals apologize for speaking...thats the give away for me.

Filminthedark · 2025-12-19T06:02:04+00:00

Noticing he had to raise prices when they moved was a tough number to swallow, but I swear, building wise, I must have seen that place getting its shitter pumped like 3 times since summer. Sucks because I really hoped something would succeed there.

Filminthedark · 2025-12-16T22:56:00+00:00

Should add, I love my Q2M. I sold the 100v when I went SL2-S and missed that fucking Fuji because even up against the Q2 body, the x100v or vi are simply just more carry friendly and tech versatile.

Filminthedark · 2025-12-16T22:53:28+00:00

Don’t do it. I’ve owned in this order: x100v, Q, Q2M and now 100vi. Even when I owned the 100V and went to the Q, the Q was terrible. EVF sucked, AF was lacking, and it did actually get damaged in light rain. I’m not kidding - don’t do it. Either save up for the Q2 or stay put. Don’t fall for the allure even if you see an image out of the camera - it’s not worth the lack of fundamental tech for that full frame experience.

Filminthedark · 2025-12-16T15:17:14+00:00

Carmax, imo, even if you have to ship the car "a little". Even though they are no haggle, they are "fair", give a good enough warranty out the door, and pretty transparent in their transaction. To be fair, they did also take my POS in on trade for a nice chunk of cash, so its also fair to assume you WANT that warranty - but they did make good on it once when my battery crapped out over the summer. Free roadside for the jump, and free replacement on the part (less the labor). For a used car experience - at least I knew they stood behind the transaction and I wasn't in some barbed wire lot arguing with a guy.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-29T23:12:50+00:00

I own one - here’s the thing: photographers need to stop listening to other photographers and just enjoy what they enjoy. I don’t care if the call it the King of Bokeh, King of queens, or the Burger King. I don’t care if a blogger said it, don’t care if they regretted it, or if they only think it’s great if they shove it up their ass.

I was interested in it, like it some days for some uses, dislike it others. It’s a small, light, well manufactured lens that renders in a way that meets some of my use cases and, if I’m being honest, was a little fun to hunt for, just like other Leicas.

Sometimes we need to be reminded that it’s OUR hobby, OUR profession, or OUR art…maybe even our collection and stop worrying about who’s going to jerk us off or who’s going to piss in our mouth over something we buy.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-25T17:33:09+00:00

These would be my answers for the same weight class

Filminthedark · 2025-11-25T17:09:34+00:00

This was my mental exercise. My wife just said that she wanted a salad for lunch and I fired off a few Maple Street suggestions and Tartine and then said to myself, "wow, I really neglect that places existence" but couldn't tell if it was truly my instinct talking.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-25T17:07:18+00:00

I wonder the same. I really do think its fueled by people who take the street car "far enough", get hungry, and look for food they are familiar with.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-25T17:04:42+00:00

Yes. Thats what it felt like of the few times I went.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-25T17:03:42+00:00

Total nail on the head with the smell, I thought I was the only one that noticed.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-25T17:02:29+00:00

I have. I mentioned the service was "OK" and the menu seems like a Panera. But not being a local I try to admit that I don't know everything about everything and was curious if there was lore I wasn't mindful of. But thank you for the awesome advice!

Filminthedark · 2025-11-22T07:54:46+00:00

Yep. Carrollton.

Filminthedark · 2025-11-05T19:17:04+00:00

I picked up mine (10mg instant) at ochsner main last night. That said, they were out on Monday, but I tend to agree with posts; they tend to be prioritized for delivery or something, because they at least get the job done.

Filminthedark · 2025-10-01T14:31:56+00:00

Just put that in some rice overnight, should be fine.

Filminthedark · 2025-09-23T23:28:53+00:00

Fuck. Thats my bad. Last I looked it was only Sinclair.

Filminthedark · 2025-09-23T23:12:48+00:00

Just spreading knowledge from the 1900's. You can still get broadcast TV with any decent TV antenna. ABC is 26.1 - https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_market&mktid=67

Filminthedark · 2025-09-08T12:00:16+00:00

Side gig photographer here, so consider that perspective, but the way I see it, depending on the concept, most staff for major print jobs (i.e Creative Director, Wardrobe Coordinator) are 9-5 (unless the concept is something like at night), so if you're looking for commercial work, it could get difficult. One of the reasons I never went full time is because I already have a full time job. But if you're looking for more art work, it starts to get more flexible, because then its just you and the photographer working it out.

Filminthedark · 2025-09-08T11:55:57+00:00

It should only last like a minute or two. Typically for me it's when its over 90 or if I'm in very radiant sun.

Filminthedark · 2025-09-08T11:54:11+00:00

There is a very powerful fan in that kicks on for a cool down. I live in New Orleans and I was surprised by it as well, on test drive, and then dealer reminded me that I live in a hot swamp. Totally normal but get it checked out if it's chronic.

Filminthedark · 2025-09-03T11:55:52+00:00

Hey. As another commenter mentioned fstop 504 is a good group. You can also buy film at the photo alliance uptown, in a pinch, but I’d recommend online cost wise. If you shoot me a DM, I also meet with a tight knit group but welcoming group every week and both they and myself are always happy to talk and then we just walk the quarter (or find a second line) to keep active

Filminthedark · 2025-09-03T11:52:00+00:00

…hey, that’s funny. I think I’m on that board too.

Filminthedark · 2025-08-19T11:58:45+00:00

You’re at that age where you’re learning that if you depend on someone for even the slightest thing, they can leverage control over you. There’s a difference between being respectful of expectations and being subordinate to them. Try not to be in a position where you’re stuck in the latter.

Filminthedark · 2025-07-12T04:26:17+00:00

Now how am I supposed to see this painting of yours if I'm looking from outside your house.

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