A Writer Gets It Right
God, I wish I could remember the sci-fi story that pretty much went along these lines. The only details I remember is that it's about a man and his wife, and the government is putting in subliminal billboards all up and down the highway, encouraging people to buy new things. As a result, the sides of the highway are landfills, filled with barely-used appliances.
As of April 2006, it will be illegal to sell used electronics that are 5 years old or older in Japan. Akihabara News says that this is part of a pattern of restriction of the sale of used goods that prevails in Japan, where manufacturers have been able to convince the government to sweeten their profit-lines by banning re-sale of goods.
From boing boing.
Update, Feb 23, 8:58 - sylver pointed out that what I've posted isn't accurate and omits several key points - for instance, foreign sales won't be prohibited, and neither will leasing of 2nd hand electronics. Furthermore, it seems to be aimed mostly at electrical appliances and doesn't forbid actual domestic sales, just requires an inspection intended to make sure that your dryer won't catch on fire when you plug it in.
I still want to know what that story was, though.
As of April 2006, it will be illegal to sell used electronics that are 5 years old or older in Japan. Akihabara News says that this is part of a pattern of restriction of the sale of used goods that prevails in Japan, where manufacturers have been able to convince the government to sweeten their profit-lines by banning re-sale of goods.
From boing boing.
Update, Feb 23, 8:58 - sylver pointed out that what I've posted isn't accurate and omits several key points - for instance, foreign sales won't be prohibited, and neither will leasing of 2nd hand electronics. Furthermore, it seems to be aimed mostly at electrical appliances and doesn't forbid actual domestic sales, just requires an inspection intended to make sure that your dryer won't catch on fire when you plug it in.
I still want to know what that story was, though.