Unfortunately even the “inexpensive” DIY options ( http://www.arcadedepot.com , for example), are still quite expensive – over $1000 at the minimum.

- How much $$$ does this company make
- Who is buying what…

For me, I usually flip through it before the flight takes off and kind of chuckle at some of the useless items and fantisize about some of the more “practical” items. Buy the time we are taxi-ing the runway the magazine is back in its compartment and by the time we are in flight I’m usually catching a few ZZZzz’s and forget about Skymall until my next flight!

For those that have ordered…I’m curious, do you fill out the order form on the flight (and leave with the flight staff?) or do you have to place your order once you land/return home? The reason I ask is it seems like having to remember to place an order would compel people to forget unless it is something they REALLY want.

Also, I found that canceling my fashion magazine and catalog subscriptions is a great way to want less and therefore buy less.

But, the point of temptation is not lost on me. I just spent another $35 on DVDs. I was doing quite well for awhile, I hadn’t bought any DVDs at all and then suddenly this wave hits and I’d wager I’ve spent about $200 on DVDs in the last two months. *sigh*

P.S. I love both the center and the edge brownies. But having an equal-opportunity policy does cause havoc on the waistline…

2. Catalogs are evil. They are fun to look through, and we do find “wants.” I had a mild victory over one yesterday, however. I get shoe catalog, because my mother once gifted me with shoes from the company that puts this catalog out. I was looking for a pair of black sandals yesterday and was dissatisifed with what was in the catalog, so I went online. I found the pair I want for 1/2 the price of what was in that catalog, PLUS the sandals I found are vegan (the ones in the catalog are not.) I think catalogs make a good starting point when you really have a need for something, but beyond that, they’re just brain candy, as someone said.

3. We do not fly. We either drive or take the train when we travel. I find flight extremely unsustainable from both an environmental and a frugal standpoint. Of course, if we ever need to or choose to travel internationally, we’ll have to make a concession. The nice thing about train travel is the scenery. I find train travel very soothing, and it’s much cheaper, in my experience. (I should note that I’m not crazy–the “we” to which I refer is me and my boyfriend. LOL!)

Jen M.

At least you came to your senses before you bought that birdwatching camera!

Jen M.

-Todd Snider

Yeah, SkyMall is evil.

I just mentally imagine it arriving, and then finding all sorts of terrible flaws in it…

I know you didn’t call for regulations and the like, I do think that there are some that would support them but you can’t regulate morality or frugality for that matter. I think it’s up to us to lead by example and try to influence those around us but I shudder at the idea of anyone trying to force it via laws etc.

I really like the comment about writing all over the magazine, I think I’ll follow suit the next time I fly.

We are not opposed here, except maybe in how much we’d support the government in an attempt to stem over consumption.

TW

I never called for rules or regulations to limit capitalist and materialist expression in the U.S. But now that you mention it, I can’t say I’m entirely opposed to some restrictions that may help conserve energy and other resources.

All I was saying is that, as indivudals, if we find ourselves tempted so easily by things like Skymall, perhaps we have to work harder to develop the critical reaction (aversion?) to junk culture.

It’s one thing to be frugal through techniques, but a very different thing to be frugal through attitude and vision as well as behavior. If frugality is merely a collection of tips and shortcuts, as opposed to a deeply-rooted belief system, then it’s easier for us imperceptibly to lapse back into hyperconsumption and debt.

Many people here have expressed admiration for Skymall products, and yes, many of them do show great feats of human technology and engineering–handmaidens of capitalism. On the other hand, these products can only exist if there’s demand for them; they weren’t created merely for browsing. The paradox of consumerism kicks in here: in order for others to admire these things frugally, many more people have to be shelling out money or a credit line for them. That lessens the appeal of this junk for me.

You laugh out loud at 20 items you see on it… and then find yourself craving for the 21st – it’s evil!

This way I make sure that I can buy only one thing per visit and have a simple lunch.

The experience is nice and I usually buy the best product for the price, as I have a limited budget.

I just call it ‘window shopping’ and I too dog-ear the pages of catalogs and such, but if you wait on the ordering long enough usually the order is never placed LOL

However I have been wanting that ‘edge’ pan for YEARS from king arthur since I first saw it there – still holding out – but weakening . . . weakening!

Must be strong . . .

Shirley