Could book cause retail revolution?
“Retail Anarchy” has gotten mixed reviews and a lot of attention. This nonfiction novel about consumerism examines marketing, brand name loyalty and spending. Reviewers on Amazon.com said “Retail Anarchy” made them laugh out loud.
Of course, the book has only been out for three days, so you sort of have to wonder if the powers that be are using the same marketing manipulation that is criticized in the text.
About the book
“Retail Anarchy” begins with the story of George Clinton, who managed to work the system by releasing music by the same band through several different record companies by using a different name.
The book explores how marketers and companies manipulate consumers. It compares advertising to funk music and, according to readers, explains how to end up with a whole car full of pudding or cell phones without needing a payday loan.
About the author
“Retail Anarchy” writer Sam Pocker also keeps a Retail Anarchy blog, retailanarchy.com, which he labels simply “a blog about consumerism.” He also hosts a “radio talk show” (podcast) about “bargains, discounts, deals, and freebies.” The podcast, “Your Mileage May Vary,” can be downloaded from the Retail Anarchy blog.
Unsatisfied customer
Apparently, “Retail Anarchy” is not every reader’s cup of tea. Blogger Unmainstream Mom says:
“Retail Anarchy is about a self-righteous jerk making fun of people ‘too stupid’ to save money and bragging about how he beat the system. Not recommended, even from the library. Reading this book was a waste of time.”
Youch. Lucky for Pocker — though Unmainstream Mom and many of her followers deem him “rude, judgmental, wasteful, and selfish” — he has plenty of fans out there, too.
Good reviews
A response to Unmainstream Mom’s post hails Pocker for donating products to charity. All of the reviews posted on Amazon.com are resoundingly positive. One reader writes:
“After reading Sam’s book, you’ll be a more informed shopper that looks at purchasing/consuming from a totally different perspective.”
The reviewers on Amazon all agree that Pocker’s book is hilarious. According to Amazon, Pocker tours the country as a “stand-up economist,” entertaining audiences across the country.
Personally, I like straight up people. I like it when people tell me how they really feel or view different topics and ideas. It can definitely help with your personal growth by allowing outside opinions and thoughts. You can always learn something from someone with a whole different background and belief; you learn from your mistakes as well as others’.
From the looks of it, Retail Anarchy is attracting a lot of interest. Only three days out on the shelf and it’s already a hot topic? Hmmm… I might just uncover what the buzz is all about.
A book just trashing consumerism, and mocking those that don’t beat the system? Sounds entertaining. A multitude of ways around the system would be a bit more constructive, but the deconstruction of consumerism has been a pretty popular theme for a long time, and as much as I agree with it (just about wholeheartedly) I yield to the immortal wisdom of Dave Mustaine – “If there’s a new way, I’ll be the first in line. But it better work this time.”
I find it interesting that you neglect to mention that the poster of the ‘positive’ comment about the book and Pocker’s rude behavior is most likely his wife. Hardly an impartial source, don’t you think?