• LrdThndr@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    That’s so oversimplified that it borders on being a lie. Yes it happened, but the why of it wasn’t as simple as just “sell more lightbulbs”.

    I can’t link it right now, but go on YouTube and find the channel technology connections. He does a deep dive into the history of the light bulb and the phoebus cartel. TLDR: believe it or not, it was actually a good thing.

    • ShittyBeatlesFCPres@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Maybe the Technology Connections guy is an heir to the General Electric fortune. He certainly has a lot of access to old toasters. 🤔🧐

      /s

        • Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          Does that explain why he did a 40 minute video on why microwaves from the 60s were better, but have since become shitified? To promote toasters instead?

          • LrdThndr@lemmy.world
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            6 months ago

            Actually, come to think of it, it’s not just toasters… it’s coffeemakers, microwaves, stove knobs, thermostats…

            HE’S SUPPORTED BY BIG BIMETALLIC STRIP!

    • mipadaitu@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      It was neutral at best, it was still a conspiracy to reduce choice in the market in a way that was beneficial to them. Yes, the excuse they used was that it prevented people from creating light bulbs that were of poor quality, and had an unpleasant color to them, but it also was profitable for them to do so.

      Here’s the video you mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb7Bs98KmnY

      • Eheran@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        It would have been a race to the bottom. The same way it happens with other products today. Some number bigger = better marketing = selling more = others need to do the same or go bankrupt = everyone does it.