Click. Read. Love. 7.18.24
Hitting my breaking point with NSale and Prime Day. Here's what it's like on the other side, plus the best of the week.
A lot has happened in the span of a week. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opened up to everyone, Prime Day came and went, and a gunman tried to assassinate Donald Trump (also a Judge appointed by Trump dismissed arguably the strongest case against him). Like I said, a lot has happened.
I’m not getting into the assassination attempt or the documents case being dismissed at the moment (but I did include links below that are worth checking out).
I do want to share some observations as someone who used to profit off events like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and who now makes no money from it (and also spends none either).
I ended up unsubscribing from a BUNCH of newsletters this week. I still receive a fair amount of emails from influencers that I’ve followed over the years, and I finally just couldn’t take it anymore. As I’ve said a few times, Prime Day is a scam. The Nordstrom Anniversary sale isn’t much different. But they are HUGE money makers for influencers (and Nordstrom and Amazon). We’re talking thousands of dollars in commissions and that doesn’t include any additional fees paid by brands for posting about the sales. Also, with ALL the other $hit happening, it just felt like a bit much no?
Being on the other side, opting out of the entire charade, is so liberating, not just as a (former) influencer but also as a consumer. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not only exhausting but a huge waste of time. So much scrolling and screen time for an end result that more often than not is disappointing. I keep thinking there has to be some sort of mass revolt on the horizon against this type of hyper-consumerism. It’s absolutely dizzying to try and keep up with it all.
While credit card debt in America continues to rise, Amazon continues to rake in record profits, with an estimated $14 billion in sales for Prime Day. Influencers are raking in profits too. Amazon is the biggest money maker for some, securing the biggest payday of the entire year.
Maybe it’s weird, but since the death of my cousin I keep thinking about what my legacy will be. At the end of my life, what will I leave behind? If I have any say, I hope it isn’t that I was good at convincing people to buy more stuff, but maybe that I helped them realize it’s ok to do quite the opposite.
said it best:We can’t buy ourselves a better planet, but we can stop funding the shittification of this one.
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In this week’s edition of Click. Read. Love.
Why you should stop feeling bad when clothes don’t fit
Scenic road trip destinations in New England
The backyard hammock of my dreams
How to consume and process news after the Trump assassination attempt
It’s ok not to miss your kids
Is it the end of our extremely online era?
and more!
Amazon Prime Day is mostly a good deal for Amazon, not for you. (Washington Post, gift link)
No federal agency regulates adoption. Utah’s laws subject adoptions to fewer hurdles than almost anywhere else in the country, making it the most exploitative state for private adoption. (The Cut)
Stop feeling bad when clothes don’t fit. “It’s not your body, it’s just that sizing is a dumpster fire.” (Unflattering)
I loved Portsmouth, NH. Here’s my top recs if you’re headed there anytime soon. -Jess
Louis C.K. went from expressing remorse to playing the victim. (The Atlantic, gift link)
Researchers have finally found a way to treat the debilitating pregnancy condition hyperemesis gravidarum, if only they could find the funding. (Romper)
Parents are shifting their attitudes about whether or not their own kids get married and have children. (The Atlantic)
A New York Times investigation found that cord blood banks (a lucrative business charging customers thousands of dollars) misled parents about the technology’s promise. (New York Times, gift link)
Five scenic road trip destinations in New England.
Wow I loved this essay. “The more I reduce my technology use, the more profoundly human and precariously alive I feel.” (Tommy Dixon)
The most relatable thing I’ve ever read about vacation shopping panic. (Total Rec)
Donald Trump’s VP pick JD Vance is very much anti-abortion. “The new VP candidate not only supports a federal abortion ban, but opposes rape and incest exceptions.” (Abortion, Every Day)
After the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, a good reminder on how to process and consume news in the coming months. (Emily In Your Phone)
It’s ok to not miss your kids. (Is My Kid The Asshole?)
After MONTHS of researching online we finally went into a store and bought a hammock. Thanks to L.L. Bean this hammock stand and cotton hammock are what backyard nap dreams are made of. -Jess
This makes me so nervous even though I’m past the age of having babies that women have completely lost their rights to their bodies . I had a miscarriage, then a legal needed d an c, an 8 month preemie who died walking around from my fourth month with broken deadly amniotic fluid and I almost did die. My delivery was accelerated the first time ( not needed) and now I have a special needs child/adult I can’t care for anymore. Letting a child of 13 carry a baby from rape or incest is insane. And yes I’ve had my drink spiked and been assaulted. Where do there people get to take away our rights and control our bodies? Yes I’m angry . Sorry to express it this way. This is not acceptable.