Day: September 23, 2026

It’s a funny one in part because it’s becoming all too true.

The memes have a character standing next to a parking kiosk, or a self checkout, or gas pump, really it works for any bit of technology that has become so ubiquitous these days. Another variation is a person at a restaurant sitting at a table with a QR code.

The caption reads, “I don’t want to scan a QR code for a menu, or download your app and create an account to pay for 30 minutes of parking, or to get discounts at the self checkout. JUST HAND ME A MENU OR LET ME PAY FOR MY STUFF!”

It’s tickled me because it’s so true.

Everything these days is a web site, an AI, or scanning or tapping for the simplest of tasks.

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing or even where you are. You’re going to encounter some idiotic digital roadblock that there is no way around, and of course there’s no one to talk to about the problem. So most people take a breath and follow instructions like sheep. Most never think about the fact that each of these interactions and accounts feed the technological beast.

If it takes you 10 minutes to download an app, create an account, select a password, re-enter that password, the get logged out of the app and have to log back into the app just to be able to pay a $5 charge for parking what is the point? You’re already 10 minutes late for your appointment because you couldn’t just give the meter your credit card.

Same goes for checking out, at almost any self checkout. You spend 2 minutes answering questions about donations, or if you want to download the store’s app, or if you’re sure you really meant to say “NO” when all you really wanted was a pack of gum, or a gallon of gas.

Sure it’s just a minute of your time, but it’s time you’ll never get back. At the same time you’re creating a neon digital footprint and guess what? Your information going into all these apps to do simple things like buy a freaking cup of coffee is then sold to data brokers.

They in turn package, and cross-reference every other app that you’ve signed up for and turn it all into targeted marketing.

That’s how you find yourself on mailing lists, texting lists, & phone call lists. All of which blow up your phone or email every time you attempt to do anything normal like read an email from a friend, or call someone.

There’s another thing that hit me the other day. Every single time I enter data for a service like the DMV, or a bank, or utility, I’m actually giving those services free labor. Yes! When you think about it, you’re doing the data entry work for them and they’re still charging you out the ass for their service. Sometimes, they even add a “Convenience fee” well beyond the actual transaction fee cost. Which means they’re getting free labor from you and then you’re paying them extra to provide you with the service they just stole your time and labor to do for them.

What the hell kind of insane system have we created?

I’m calling for a revolution!

Switch every single automated billing back to the company sending you a paper statement. Then pay that paper statement with a paper check. Go to the bank in person to deposit your paycheck. Tie up their resources and tellers. Don’t use the ATMs. Make the bank teller count your money back to you. Use cash only. At this point I’m for going back to the old credit card receipts with the clunky machine that took a carbon impression of your embossed credit card numbers.

Believe me, if enough people clogged banks, checkout lines, mail rooms, and government buildings. In pretty short order most, if not all, of this Bull Shit would come to a grinding halt.

There’s a Gym that won’t take a credit card as your primary source of payment. They also won’t take a check, or do a direct transaction from your checking account. They’ll only accept a debit card. But, and this is the funny part. They don’t call your membership profile complete unless they have a “Backup Credit Card” number on file. Uhh wait, you won’t take a credit card, but you will take a credit card? Pick a lane folks!

I’ve got to hand it to T-Mobile in this area. They at least give you a $5 monthly credit if you allow them to auto bill. Apparently they understand that them being able to auto bill and not have to send paper statements saves them operating expenses. For that, and their convenience, they’re willing to pay you.

If you think about it, when a government agency charges you a convenience fee to give them money, it’s really just another tax. It’s an off the books tax, but its a profit center nonetheless.

Join the revolution people! Rebel! Stop the madness!

Force these people to work just as hard for their cash as you do.