However, I think it is now more accurate to divide things into those we pay for once and those we pay for over and over again. So things like utilities, phone service, and now computer products come under the heading "things we pay for over and over again".
I believe that business is moving toward a model where fewer and fewer things are "pay for once" and more and more things are "pay for over and over again". Even things referred to as 'durable goods' are often not quite so durable and need to be replaced since repairing them is as expensive or more than replacing.
We are being turned into endless revenue streams.
We always were. It's just that in the past, because things didn't break or go obsolete so quickly, there were peaks and troughs in the consuming revenue function. A lot of things lasted for decades. What a concept.
Now it's kinda averaged out, the function is smoother. The Maytag repairman died long ago, replaced by the delivery boy who brings you a new appliance each year or two.
Spot on! Few people realize that they are being played.
Few people like you see the scam for what it is.
“We are being turned into endless revenue streams.”
I will make my final move to Linux this summer. No more boat anchor systems for me.