You’ll own nothing and you’ll be happy. Easier to implement than people thought.
I will never give up my books, CDs, and DVDs; once streaming decides that an old movie is too offensive for today’s sensitivities, you’ll never find it again, but if you have it in your home in a physical copy, you can beat them. I never thought I’d by The Sandlot on DVD; one of the best family comedies of the 90s, but when people (or bots) on Amazon were saying that the movie promoted “rape culture” due to the lifeguard kiss prank scene, I knew that the networks would either censor it or put a million disclaimers on it. DVD purchase made without a second thought.
Ownership equals liberty, renting everything equals the lord giveth and the lord taketh. Always own stuff.
But Francis! You are one of them! On Jan 9th 2026 I paid AU$84.00 to Konstantin Kisin Subst Du as a sub to Triggernometry. I have never managed to access it. I have emailed. I have tried Substack help. I get frequent teasers with the beginning of something that sounds interesting and fades to grey. No ‘Login here’ option. Just a request that I sign up and pay again! I have ( I think) managed to cancel the auto-renewal process, but I can’t actually get what I want to read. This article of yours is great, but Triggernometry is part of the problem you are describing. Dave
Current solution to the exit 'can't find the unsubscribe/cancel page/have to call them and wait 6 mins in a queue' conundrum : pay these with virtual cards. Use a different virtual card for subs you intend keeping vs one's you don't. Freeze the 'don't' card. I have about 6 virtual cards and most are permanently frozen, to be made liquid intentionally and only temporarily.
Have you seen the episode ‘common people' from the brilliant Black Mirror series by Charlie Brooker? Takes this concept to the extreme but I reckon it could happen.
Young people are fascinated by my record collection (about 1100 LPs, singles, CDs, and I still have some of my cassettes). I keep it right in the family room, just like 30 years ago.
It’s interesting to see how cool they think it is. They are drawn to it instantly.
I always say, “ Music wasn’t just something you listened to at random. It used to be something you held, looked at, and repeated over and over.
You’ll own nothing and you’ll be happy. Easier to implement than people thought.
I will never give up my books, CDs, and DVDs; once streaming decides that an old movie is too offensive for today’s sensitivities, you’ll never find it again, but if you have it in your home in a physical copy, you can beat them. I never thought I’d by The Sandlot on DVD; one of the best family comedies of the 90s, but when people (or bots) on Amazon were saying that the movie promoted “rape culture” due to the lifeguard kiss prank scene, I knew that the networks would either censor it or put a million disclaimers on it. DVD purchase made without a second thought.
Ownership equals liberty, renting everything equals the lord giveth and the lord taketh. Always own stuff.
You got me laughing, Mr. Foster - especially the toaster bit.
Francis…I’m leaving this comment out of sheer exuberance that you’re not hidden behind a paywall 🥳🎉🥳
SaaS.
Been gradually sneaking in for years. Microsoft 365 is a prime example.
Francis, you're the man! This had been an aggravation of mine for a while and it's strange how many people don't care.
I'd love for you to reach out to Louis Rossman, who is probably the best advocate for right to repair laws. He'd make a great guest on Triggernometry.
But Francis! You are one of them! On Jan 9th 2026 I paid AU$84.00 to Konstantin Kisin Subst Du as a sub to Triggernometry. I have never managed to access it. I have emailed. I have tried Substack help. I get frequent teasers with the beginning of something that sounds interesting and fades to grey. No ‘Login here’ option. Just a request that I sign up and pay again! I have ( I think) managed to cancel the auto-renewal process, but I can’t actually get what I want to read. This article of yours is great, but Triggernometry is part of the problem you are describing. Dave
Love your humour. Your book is terrific and with no add on financial payments. Yay! 🤣👍
Brilliant! The Free Press should print this. And send you five pence every time some one reads it.
Love the invitation to upgrade my subscription below the article:)
But, this is right. Subscriptions are the children of eternal debt for cars etc.
Brilliant, mate! Your best yet!
Loved this and couldn't agree more!!!
Aunty Pamela's Common Sense Hints tells ***free*** subscribers this on a regular basis...
Current solution to the exit 'can't find the unsubscribe/cancel page/have to call them and wait 6 mins in a queue' conundrum : pay these with virtual cards. Use a different virtual card for subs you intend keeping vs one's you don't. Freeze the 'don't' card. I have about 6 virtual cards and most are permanently frozen, to be made liquid intentionally and only temporarily.
“To cancel your subscription, simply click this link, upload a scan of your rectal cavity, solve a CAPTCHA showing every traffic light in Belgium"
The funniest comedy is that to which you can TOTALLY relate.
All you need now Francis is
- an H in cord
- an R in ass
- NO S in anyway
... But only if you want me to subscribe 😉
Have you seen the episode ‘common people' from the brilliant Black Mirror series by Charlie Brooker? Takes this concept to the extreme but I reckon it could happen.
Young people are fascinated by my record collection (about 1100 LPs, singles, CDs, and I still have some of my cassettes). I keep it right in the family room, just like 30 years ago.
It’s interesting to see how cool they think it is. They are drawn to it instantly.
I always say, “ Music wasn’t just something you listened to at random. It used to be something you held, looked at, and repeated over and over.