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| THE DOWNFALL OF U-SCAN

Wee hours
Wednesday 2008.06.11
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I remember when U-Scan first came out. (Ya know, the magic computer machines at grocery stores that let you check out without talking to a human.)

Nobody was ever in line. It was new and confusing to most people, and like other new confusing things... people avoided the U-Scan. This meant that I could bypass all of the long person-powered lines, walk right up to a machine, scan my three items, swipe my credit card, and be on my way.

Last summer, I actually had to wait in a line for a U-Scan once. It wasn't that bad though; everyone who used the U-Scan was an early adopting, technology embracing 18-26 year old. They moved through the U-Scan process quickly and effortlessly. Sadly, I fear the glory days of the U-Scan, have come to an end. Why?

Old people have overcome their fear of the U-Scan! I saw some of them in the U-Scan line yesterday. Yes, you read that correctly, the U-Scan line. One was digging for her savings club card the entire time I was in line. She was still there when I left. Holding one U-Scan machine hostage for more than ten minutes.

What can be done about this epidemic? Bump up the number of U-Scans per store from four to eight? Card people before they use the U-Scan? You must be this old to buy alcohol, and this young to use the U-Scan?? I don't know. I don't have all the answers.