List makers, media ignore consumers in end-of-year round ups

It really surprised me. I looked all over the internet for articles or posts on the top consumer stories of 2008. I looked on ConsumerAffairs.com. I checked out ConsumerReports.org. I tried the Web sites of the Better Business, AARP, The Consumerist, and Public Citizen. No luck.

 

I even bought The List Issue, Time magazine’s Dec. 22 issue. Among the dozens of lists were the top 10 discoveries, financial meltdowns, break ups, medical breakthroughs, U.S. lottery jackpots, most memorable Olympic moments, campaign slogans, movies, and bank slogans. But no listing of top consumer stories for 2008.

 

A Google search did turn up a couple of articles – on the top consumer stories in Canada.

 

This lack of interest in consumer stories shows how consumers are viewed in the USA. Consumers are supposed to spend money and keep the vast, inflated American economy going.Little thought is given to individual consumers and how they live their daily lives – these days often in a state of worry and distress about the basics of housing and jobs.

Since list makers and the media have ignored consumers this year, I developed my own list. See my article “Top 10 Consumer Stories of 2008.”

So Happy New Year to boomer consumers everywhere. I hope 2009 brings a richer, more sustainable economy and life for us all.

 

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist