Comments on Men vs Culture: Your Daily Snail

I've watched about 20 netflix watch now movies sin...

2010-03-31T11:42:41.439-07:00

I've watched about 20 netflix watch now movies since receiving "Bronson" about a month ago in the mail. Since that time, it too has gone on watch now.

As soon as they add DVD extras and options (subtitles damnit! I can't understand those Brits) hard discs will be unnecessary. The ability to download and watch offline would be nice too.

Sooner or later the disc will be totally unnecessary. The post office is, again in this case, just delaying inevitable progress.

Once a week delivery now!

There is one overriding reason why one less day of...

2010-03-31T11:35:20.474-07:00

There is one overriding reason why one less day of delivery will really suck: Netflix.

Will NFLX stock rise with reduced postal delivery?

I did not try to make a point about checks per se....

2010-03-26T15:17:55.781-07:00

I did not try to make a point about checks per se. My point was about the value of make-work.

Yes, education would be a better investment. But education is not much funded by the federal government.

btw, as follow up to our health reform chat, check out what Bernie Sanders snuck into the law: thousands of neighborhood clinics.

Thats just check writing. Cash for expenses (labo...

2010-03-26T13:59:00.664-07:00

Thats just check writing. Cash for expenses (labor or supplies or services, it really doesn't matter.)

Perhaps some of those suppliers gain some economies of scale and expertise as a result of the post office's actually asking for something in return for their money. That might benefit the industry efficiency and success... though straight subsidies might be better... OR spending the $ on R&D or education.

The only good point you've raised is about checks. I'm sure theres a major cost to having money siting in envelopes rather than being used on the market. In this regard, it seems like the post office services is a crutch that prevents innovation towards a paperless system.

I meant that just giving out money instead of dema...

2010-03-26T13:16:29.479-07:00

I meant that just giving out money instead of demanding make-work, does not create positive externalities. Like the post office having to buy supplies and transportation, etc.

I agree with you on Saturday, though many business...

2010-03-26T13:02:31.401-07:00

I agree with you on Saturday, though many businesses operate 7 days a week.

"Mail delivery does have value. "
Sure, but diminishing returns with increased frequency. 6 days a week is too many.

Checks is a good point. This should really be streamlined as well.

Mail delivery does have value. Sending checks d...

2010-03-26T12:53:48.655-07:00

Mail delivery does have value.

Sending checks does not create the externalities.

Saturday is probably axed because businesses dont care to get anything on Saturday, just as well have it Monday when they open.

Gov created jobs are good only if they deliver som...

2010-03-26T12:48:53.776-07:00

Gov created jobs are good only if they deliver something of value to the public. Otherwise, they might as well just send checks.

I have a hard time any business is significantly impacted by mail taking an extra day. Anything time-sensitive is sent via another medium.

On that note...why are they cutting Saturday instead of a weekday? This creates a 2-day gap when combined with Sunday.

Reducing postal service is bad for the economy. I...

2010-03-26T12:31:37.572-07:00

Reducing postal service is bad for the economy. It helps directly with the jobs it creates and indirectly with moving products and communication faster.