I call absolute fucking bullshit on this. Amazon didn’t incorporate Smile into their app until the last year or so, requiring us to use a separate and arguably poorly publicized site before that. Then you had to allow advertising messages on your phone to enable it. My *COPIOUS* Amazon purchases support Gracie’s former foster mom’s local pet charity. Fuck Amazon.
@port_rhombus
I also used only smile. used website for all purchases. started doing that when my fav charity said that it's their highest income source (it's a small breed specific charity). just got the news. now I'm going to reduce any purchases at amazon to a minimum. very disappointed but not surprised.
#amazon #news
@port_rhombus
depends on what I'm looking for. clothes is mostly uniqlo, shoes are by brand websites, presents - I always buy at Etsy from small Ukrainian shops (I'm Ukrainian, doing it since I moved to the US) or sometimes US shops (like eco friendly cosmetics, plants, etc).
We also heavily go to Winco and Ross. that's probably it (husbund is using eBay). I'll check out shopify, thanks for the tip!
@rakshy like you, I’m thinking that direct purchases from brands will be more frequent now. And brands like Muji and IKEA for quick hits. Etsy and Ukrainian merchants is a great idea. Lots of online shops use Shopify behind the scenes so you’ll probably stumble on them before you know it 😊 music takes up most of my purchases so bandcamp and Qobuz get a lot of my discretionary income for digital purchases, and small shops via discogs for physical media.
@port_rhombus
the only problem that is left remains kindle books because I use Kindle for around 4 years now. but I started using local library way more recently, whenever possible (they do have most e-books available for rent)
@rakshy i can see kindle being a tough thing to lessen dependency on if you’ve used it a lot. What other ebook merchants have you tried? Most of my e-reading is technical stuff so i mine Humble Bundle for tech ebook bundles with charity benefits.
@port_rhombus
frankly, I did not try anything else yet, but now considering Barnes & Noble for my next e-reader upgrade. I've heard their CEO did a good job at improving the situation by respecting the readers. might give them a shot for good work.
the physical books I buy rarely and mostly from our small local shop.
@rakshy B&N is one source and reader I’m curious about too tho i usually get physical books if i can.
Also, you just reminded me of bookshop.org: they work with local book shops to fulfill orders thru their site. They started in an effort to counteract the bad effects of Amazon on local shops.
@port_rhombus
oh, this is wonderful and helpful. thank you so much!
@rakshy also, are you familiar with the Libby app? Dunno if it’s on Android too, but on iOS it allows you to check out e-materials (books and audio books, and maybe even films and music) from your local library system without needing to directly visit a library.
@port_rhombus
I don't like reading from the phone, but.. libraries actually have e-books to borrow, from your chair at home. I've taken advantage of that and now do it whenever possible.
I only buy books from living authors, to support them. if it's a classic, I try to find a way to read it for free (library, friends, free e-books etc). unless I want the illustrations. then it's a bookstore heh
@rakshy yeah I’m with you I’m not looking to read on my phone if i can help it 😊 i haven’t tried it yet but I’m wondering if there Libby app can send books to kindles and other ereaders vis the app, so we wouldn’t be reading on tiny screens, just using it to procure the resources.
@port_rhombus don't know about Libby app, but Seattle library website easily sends e-book to kindle. and you return in two clicks from kindle itself. they also have othe e-reader options
@rakshy I’m doing likewise with reducing my purchases if possible. Prime shipping and returns are great, but I don’t use any other part of Prime and am questioning the continued price hikes. Plus it feels like Amazon has been flooded with low-quality, no-name goods that game the item history and review system. What are you using in place of Amazon? I’ve been using eBay more and various Shopify merchants.