I Hate The Word 'Consumer' (The Jimquisition)

Ivar

Dude, thanks for putting into words something I've been mulling over for quite a few years now. Every time I've used or heard the word "consumer", there's been this niggle in the back of my head where it felt kinda demeaning and, as you say, dehumanising. A "customer" implies a much more reciprocal relationship than a "consumer", whose role is simply to consume and be a mindless receptacle for what is fed. So thanks for making intelligent stuff.

Don't care that I'm late... Jim Love your stuff. Also, love Garth Marenghi's Darkplace in the background. Nearly pissed myself laughing. You truly are an "author, dream weaver, visionary, plus actor" haha

Thank you for all of your hard work, Jim! I've watched countless hours of your wonderful videos, and I thought it was about time to stop being such a cheap b*stard and join your Patreon. Thank God for Mondays

DocScoot

CONSUME. BE SILENT. DIE.

This video finally got through to my big head and now I am commenting here :) your the man Jim been a fan for years. Cheers!

Kraken

I don't like "consumer" either. But, ever the contrarian, I feel a need to point out that the implication of a "consumer" is that they consume and then depart, like a locust... Whereas a "customer" provides a merchant with "custom"- that is, the implication of repeated business. Habitual business. The practice of "games as a service" does not rely on "consumers"... It relies on "customers".

Crissa Kentavr

This is why Burning Man doesn't have attendees, but participants.

Trevor Bond

Synonyms are not the same, as the saying goes. What word we use in a situation betrays an AWFUL lot about who we are. I haven't bought a video game in a while, I don't bother watching Marvel movies, and anything without an end is something I don't need... books, shows, whatever, I like things to come to a close in time.

LonMcGregor

After viewing this episode, I feel similarly about the word "content". A game, a video essay, a blog... it's not "content" that's just churned out by "creators". It should be treated with a bit more dignity,

Perpetual Noob

This was a really cool, interesting Jimquisition. Thanks for that etymological lesson. Good stuff. 🙂

Jim you fucking nailed it today. NAILED it. An instant classic Jimquisition in my opinon.

Benedict Holland

Wow. Did cornflakes and the supprise mechanic drop their support? It isn't many shows that can lose all sponsorship and still do well.

Juliet Davie

So Sterdust confirmed for the next AEW pay per view? In all seriousness though, thank you for your thoughts on this. It's given me something to think about.

Cripes and crikey Jim. Never in my life did I expect Edward Bernais to be mentioned in any media featuring a Smash Bros. Very excited by the show this week, thanks!

Rocki Wingard

This video is totally worth at least $1. I had to join after watching

Josiah Lambert

Heya Jim, this was one of my favorite videos in a while. I like the idea of Jimquisition addressing topics that may have a particular application to gaming, but are also connected to a broader context about capitalism, language, culture, wellness, etc etc. Nice work here 👊

Reminds me of the opening of 10000 Maniac's "Candy Everybody Wants" video. Spectator Democracy. https://youtu.be/3M9ncAkKSNM

LostRenegade691

I don't think I've ever used consumer in relation to buying anything. It's never felt or even sounded right.