Why don't things last like they used to?

It is true that they do not 'build them like they used to...'. Companies have learned that if they build quality products that last a long time they loose their customers, because their customers only needed them once. If you build something shiny, stylish and cheap you will have customers returning again and again (how many of you have a five or ten year old cell phone?). Below are photos of an original gas cook-top that functioned well in a 1959 ranch house I inspected this week. Do not worry, nothing you buy today will last 60 years - but it will be shiny! Note; How many people knew RCA made gas cook-tops? (they did under the 'Estate' name until they sold out to Whirlpool in the 1950's)