Posts by Andrew Johnson23

I was looking at my bank statement last night—not because I’m looking for things to cut, but because I was genuinely shocked by how much I spent on a single night of entertainment about six months ago. I’m not talking about a local dive bar or a small club show where you pay twenty bucks and grab a beer. I’m talking about those massive, stadium-level, "event" productions that have become the norm for any artist with even a moderate amount of clout.

It feels like we’ve entered this weird era where seeing your favorite artist isn't just a night out; it’s a high-stakes logistical operation and a massive financial commitment. I remember back in the day, or even just a decade ago, you’d hear a tour was coming, you’d mark your calendar, and you’d show up. There was a sense of spontaneity, even if it was a little chaotic. Now? It feels like if you aren't prepared to engage in a digital arms race or drain your savings account, you’re basically out of luck.

What really gets me is the "eventization" of everything. It’s not just about the music anymore. When these massive tours are announced, they aren't just sets of songs; they are these curated, multi-city, global spectacles that seem designed to be "once in a lifetime" opportunities. And while I love a good spectacle—I’m not a snob, I love production value as much as anyone—I can’t help but feel like the barrier to entry is being pushed higher and higher every single year.

I was talking to a friend the other day who works in event management, and they were describing the sheer scale of what goes into these modern tours. The logistics alone are mind-boggling. But for the fan, that scale translates directly into a sense of scarcity. Everything is "limited," everything is a "special engagement," and everything is tiered into VIP packages that cost more than my monthly rent. It creates this weird social stratification at concerts. You have the people in the nosebleeds who are just happy to be in the same zip code as the stage, and then you have the "experience" seekers who are paying thousands for a specific view or a lounge access. It almost feels like the soul of the live experience is being sliced up and sold in premium increments.

I find myself wondering if we are losing the ability to just *be* fans. When the cost and the effort required to attend a show become so high, does it change our relationship with the art? Do we start viewing the artist as a luxury good rather than a cultural voice? I’ve noticed that I feel a weird amount of anxiety before even attempting to secure tickets for big shows. It’s not just "I hope I get them," it’s "If I don't get these, I’ve missed the cultural moment of the year." That pressure feels exhausting.

I also think about the secondary market, which is just a cancer on the whole industry. The fact that the primary way many people experience these massive, career-defining tours is through a scalper or a resale site that inflates the price by 400% feels like a systemic failure. We’ve built a system where the people who actually care the most—the die-hard fans who have been following an artist for decades—are often the ones most priced out by the sheer momentum of the hype cycle.

I’m curious to hear what you all think. Is this just the natural evolution of the music industry as it scales up, or are we actually seeing the end of the "accessible" concert? Do you find yourself pulling back from big tours because of the cost and the hassle, or do you think the "event" aspect makes it worth the premium?

placidraven22 said:Anyone here have experience with sneakers from New Yorker?
Looking for some lightweight kicks for the summer. A friend mentioned they carry them there and the prices are decent, but I'm not looking to throw money away if they're going to fall apart in a week.

I actually picked up a pair from New Yorker recently. I found a really solid model—100% cotton, no stretch involved—and so far, they seem just as durable as any other brand I've owned.
For me, the Replay jeans were the ones that lost their shape the fastest, probably because the fabric was just too thin. It was honestly a bit of a shock... Since then, I’ve stopped believing that a higher price tag always guarantees better quality.

Thanks so much for all the great advice!

ruggedhound0 said:Honestly, your best bet is to check in directly with your main bank to see if you're flagged. All the major banks are interconnected now—I was actually reading recently that once you're labeled a high-risk client, getting approved for a loan becomes nearly impossible across the board. Getting two formal warnings is definitely a red flag. It feels like those old-school blacklists aren't really the standard anymore; instead, there's this updated credit reporting system that tracks everything. In any case, the smartest move would be to head down to the branch and try to work out a deal before things spiral further—you know, avoiding stuff like needing co-signers or having them garnish your wages. I’m certainly no Wall Street expert, but taking out a new loan under these circumstances seems like a recipe for disaster to me—kind of like jumping out of a plane without checking your parachute? Sorry, I don't mean to lecture—that's just my two cents.

I wasn't actually suggesting I go out and grab a new loan right now. What I’m really trying to figure out is whether I'll even have the chance to apply for one in a year or two... Does anyone know how long you stay on a credit blacklist after you've finally paid off everything you owe to the bank?

Does anyone actually know the specific criteria used to land someone on a blacklist? And once you’re stuck there, is there any realistic way to get your name cleared?
Here's my situation: I’m currently three payments behind on my loan, and I've already received two formal notices from the bank. The reason I've fallen behind is that my employer failed to pay me for four consecutive paychecks.
So, my question is: am I officially on a credit blacklist now? If I am, what does that actually entail for my future? Does this mean I won't be able to qualify for another loan anytime soon?