Feb 28 is economic blackout day

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

The Libby app is a godsend for this and increased circulation is good for your public library.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

Please support Barnes & Noble. Cut back so you can increase your savings & investments, but I don’t understand arbitrarily shutting down all spending as a PROTEST measure. If anything is left to stand, please let it be Barnes & Noble and a few coffee shops, I need some happiness

Two thoughts. Or maybe three: -The spending shutdown is actually the opposite of “arbitrary”. I’m happy to say more about that if you’d like.

- Trump and his crew are already cutting staff at FDIC. The combination of DOGE’s impulsive “break things” approach and Project 2025 make it a risky time to both save and invest — at least in the US, unless you really know what you’re doing, and I don’t. I do understand what you’re saying in terms of priorities, but I’m concerned about the future stability of our economy, and the impact that will have on saving and investments for those of us who can’t afford much risk.

- I definitely hear you on Barnes & Nobles and the coffee shops. I have a few favorite stores in NYC, and really like the Baltimore Power Plant store. I also, remember, though, when Barnes & Nobles deliberately moved into neighborhoods that had long supported smaller independent booksellers. B & N cut their prices. The smaller stores closed. Then they raised the prices again on most of the stock. If I’m going to pay full price —or close to it — I’d rather do my bit for Politics & Prose and Second Story Books.

PP, I do appreciate your suggestions. If my comments seem wrong-headed, I’m happy to entertain other perspectives.

I like Starbucks.

Then ask yourself if Starbucks likes you back. PP, I don’t mean to single you out, but I love the issues that your comment raises. If you support something with your economic power, pause for a second and ask yourself what that support and that process is doing for you. It’s fine, of course, if it’s just about enjoying a nice cup of coffee. It’s also fine to recognize the complexities that can ripple out from even everyday actions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, one thing that it’s accomplished is making a lot of people— even people that didn’t participate this time — a lot more intentional in our purchases. I’ve always supported small, local, and minority owned businesses, and I grew up with family members who remembered the success of “don’t shop where you can’t work” efforts, and local boycotts of stores like Peoples drugstore. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. I’m not going to get my personal efforts to boycott some stores to zero — if only because Bezos owned stores have bought out the locally owned grocery stores in my neighborhood. I will cut way back though, and cut back on Amazon as well. The most difficult thing for me will be finding books, but I’ve been shifting to eBay whenever I can. Even Etsy has become a great option for lots of purchases.

The Libby app is a godsend for this and increased circulation is good for your public library.

Good to know this. My library recently cut back on our monthly Hoopla allowance — so I wasn’t sure if my maxing out the books I borrow has been good for the library or a heavy expense.