So I needed a new paper-shredder. My $12 one was not cutting it (pun intended). The forces of procrastination and unsharpened metal were driving the pile in my mailbin skyward.



I went looking on the STAPLES website and found this one under weekly deals.

I was definitely tempted by the prospect of shredding unopened junk mail with 'ferocious shredding power'. I get more credit card applications than Elton John, so keeping up with the chore of destruction can be pretty grueling. Especially when you have to crack them open and separate the faux-cards from the multiple tri-folds inside the envelopes, they make spam look like no big deal.

But $50 was kinda rich for a shredder, but then as I scrolled down I saw what would put me over the edge: The one selling point that would send me running to Staples like a drooling lapdog..

Yes I had fallen for it (Great way to start out a forum called the 'Contentious Consumer', huh?). The Tivo-proof guerilla product placement -- a throwback to the early days of TV -- had wooed me as easily as a Fruity Pebbles commercial when I was 8.

Pathetic. It's really come to this.. Is this the final confirmation of adulthood that the energy that once had me obsessing over a Kenner 'Empire Strikes Back' Snow Speeder was now directed at office equipment?? (NOTE TO SELF: Good Xmas present for Big JC?)

And who thought there'd ever be an ad campaign that would successfully muster any modicrum of PS3-esque hype over a paper shredder?? It's been touched on here and there, but I'd say STAPLES is the first one to fully grasp the identity-theft fears now instilled in the average joe to the point that it's now a must-have home item, rather than relegated to the workplace.

And again, I must point out the adult-toy factor.. Look how giddy Kevin is?? It looks like fun! I WANT ONE!

So, with a mixture of shame and anticipation, down to STAPLES I went..



-FONG



Read my Review of the STAPLES MailMate Junk Mail Shredder