All these replies and you’re the only one to mention the apps. It’s absolutely one of the reasons why (beyond them using “inflation” to cover for straight greed).

By jacking their prices way up, and only offering discounts via their apps, they win either way - You pay ridiculous amounts, or you pay slightly less ridiculous amounts and they get your data.

“Once they’re old enough, I’d give them I’ll teach them what I did to disable things so they learn how to gain internet access, and eventually a phone so they can keep in touch with their friends.”

FTFY

That happened when Rush Limbaugh received one. Rest in piss.

!fakebandnames@lemmy.world

To provide additional context about “artist interpretation”, this is from the WSJ archive link:

The letter bearing Trump’s name, which was reviewed by the Journal, is bawdy—like others in the album. It contains several lines of typewritten text framed by the outline of a naked woman, which appears to be hand-drawn with a heavy marker. A pair of small arcs denotes the woman’s breasts, and the future president’s signature is a squiggly “Donald” below her waist, mimicking pubic hair.

I’ve got my og NES.

8.5 years. Coworkers for years, then decided to give it a try 3 years ago.

I think @Quilotoa@lemmy.ca has you beat with ~49 years

Completely agree. Falls into the “some people have more money than sense” category.

Eh, it definitely seems excessive, but it’s likely just a matter of scale. If they’re really that well off, then spending 2 grand on a phone would be similar to buying concert tickets, or bringing a friend along to a theme park, etc.

Good rule.

In college, I had a job and one of my best friends didn’t. I’d often ask if he wanted to go do something, like bowling or grab some food. When he’d say he didn’t have any money, I’d say “I’m asking if you want to, not if you can. It’s on me.” I just wanted to hang out with my buddy.