New Audio Story: "The Great Washing Machine Scam"
Consumer appliances are now being sold to us on value of their increasingly high-tech functions—many of which are unnecessary, and difficult (or impossible) to repair. How did this happen?
“I don’t think they’re planning obsolescence,” the manager said. “I just think the stuff they are making now is junk.”
Dear Friends,
The once-humble washing machine, like many modern household appliances, has evolved into an overly complex, computer-chipped mystery of technology. Sold on the promise of being more hands-off—and more environmentally friendly—than their old-school forebears, the quality and longevity of these household workhorses has plummeted. Repairs have become so complicated (and sometimes, impossible) that we had to ask: How and why did this happen? Getting answers was not as simple as you’d think…
This week’s feature, now available in audio story format, digs into the darkest corners of the appliance industry in the style of a Film Noir detective.
I hope you’ll enjoy listening to “The Great Washing Machine Scam,” written by Aaron Britt and narrated by Mitch Greenberg. Like all of our audio stories, you can download it directly from our website, or listen on your favorite podcasting platforms, including Apple and Spotify:
We always welcome your thoughts and suggestions, which you can offer in a comment, by tagging us in Substack Notes, or via email. Thank you for reading and sharing our stories, for supporting our work with a paid subscription if you can, and for being such a loyal part of the Craftsmanship community.
Sincerely,
Todd Oppenheimer
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Craftsmanship Magazine
Next Friday…
Coming soon:
“How Today’s Black Artisans are Reshaping American Ceramics”
Written by Ruth Terry
Although Black Americans have been telling stories in clay for centuries, the works of enslaved potters were usually unsigned, due to oppressive anti-literacy laws. Today’s Black ceramicists are reshaping the medium to forge new narratives—and finally starting to get the recognition they deserve.
Craftsmanship Magazine focuses on master artisans and innovators whose work informs our quest: to create a world built to last.
In addition to our Substack offerings, you’ll find a rich archive of feature stories, podcasts, photo essays, and documentary shorts on our free website—along with community resources like our Artisans’ Directory, our guide to U.S.-based craft & folk schools, and much more.
We always buy used appliances. An avacado-green refrigerator we bought at a garage sale for $10 in about 2010 is still chugging away in my daughter's garage, offering an array of sodas, beer, and ice.