Until recently, people spent money on anything. They needed something, they made money and had to pay for it. From phones to simple access to information, it all had a price. With the development of information technology and especially after the deepening of the economic crisis, people have changed their priorities and now life on a strict budget. One thing is for sure: this economic crisis served to show people that they can be very resourceful, very crafty and full of imagination. Here are the top ten things that people are not willing to pay for anymore.
1. Long distance calls
Do you remember the times when we had to call the operator to connect you with the desired party? Do you remember collect calls? And the costs were not neglected. Now there are subscriptions for fixed or mobile, inclusive minutes that cost very little. Not to mention that people’s lust for communication may be achieved for free through social networks, the messenger with an attached webcam and the famous Skype. Even televisions use Skype to communicate with teams of journalists in the field.
2. Software
Hackers do their job and people have become accustomed to not give money on software products. Video games are cracked and people do not pay anything for them. Manufacturers have taken very seriously the issue of piracy and the entire world is in a constant battle to defend copyright.
3. Movies no longer convince people to go to the cinema
People got used to seeing pirated movies shot in the cinema. The film is posted on various websites where people download it without giving money. The film industry has suffered greatly from these violations is copyright. Manufacturers have already begun to make movies in 3D technology in order to convince people to come to the cinema. But who knows how long this will last since 3D TV are becoming common in households.
4. Adult entertainment
Naughty boys who do not want to give money to see programs for adults have simple tool at their disposal: Google search. Traffic is pretty big, so money from advertising is enough to support the site with free content.
5. Encyclopedias
Until recently, people were looking in dictionaries or encyclopedias for an unknown word or information required. And the price of such books was not to be neglected. And here came the Internet, with a lot of websites, explanatory dictionaries for each language, encyclopedias that are more or less complete, even bilingual dictionaries in all languages the world. For free. You just have to pay for Internet access.
6. News
An industry that has entered into agony is the printed press. Internet takes the jackpot, leaving dozens of big press names to be lost. People now get their daily dose of information online, by reading online versions of newspaper, from social media, special apps for their smartphones etc.
7. Music
Until recently, people were great paid music consumers. Buying audio cassettes, CDs and DVDs. But the fashion has passed. Again, piracy has affected the music industry. Moreover, artists have adapted to the scene and many launch online one hit. For free.
8. Books
It all goes around the idea of piracy. Publishing houses are complaining they do not sell enough copies, that people do not read. And that is not true: people do read, but they do it online, for free. A lot of websites are publishing entire volumes and people prefer to read there. Not to mention the fact that it is more comfortable to read using a tablet or a Kindle than to hold a big book in your hands.
9. Fashion accessories
Have you noticed the impressive amount of DIY fashion tutorials you are able to find online? Women today have become very resourceful and they are making their own jewelry, using old T-shirts to make fun and easy clothing items. A lot less affordable than buying from the mall.
10. Beauty products
Again, women have learned how to take care of their beauty, without spending too much money. After careful consideration, we have come up with one conclusion: most of the brand beauty products can be prepared at home. So long expensive scrub and hello coffee grounds and sugar. Have a nice life moisturizer and welcome olive oil. Plus, these products are a lot safer that what you would buy at the store.
How have you adapted to the economic changes experienced worldwide? What other products that you used to pay good money are now no longer on your priority list?
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