Sunday, May 19, 2013

This Open Letter to the Used Game Sticker I Can't Fully Peel Off

Dear used game sticker I can't fully peel off,

Can't you get the hint? You are no longer wanted here. You've served your purpose, alerting me that you are a much cheaper version of a game I want. You have allowed me to not only get a game for a much cheaper price, but ensure that this transaction doesn't put a cent in the hands of game companies who refuse to release a 'Greatest Hits' version of the game. You did exactly as you were told, and I commend you for it.

But now it's time to go. You just can't let go. I try to peel you off, but what I get is that white under-sticker residue that tenaciously clings to the game. I can't have that. I need you to smoothly peel off and be like you were never there. I need to remove your presence from my life, and I need you gone yesterday.  It's nothing personal, I just don't want you ruining the aesthetics of my game collection.


Hey, I'm not trying to act like I don't buy used games. That's just not the case at all. I love buying used games. I just got a Playstation 3 and I am going to enjoy the next few years' worth of used games for the soon-to-be defunct console. I am an avowed used game buyer, so it's not about shame over where my games come from. I just don't want my cases to look tacky.


When I look at my game collection, I want to see a row of titles sitting snugly in their cases. What I don't want to see is a bunch of stickers ruining the view. It's hard to appreciate my collection when I have to put up with you. But it's even worse when you are only half gone, when you leave a little reminder of yourself before you leave.

Is that really how you want to go out? Have some some dignity and know when it's time to retire. I don't need some sticker remnant hanging around, causing my game cases to stick together and otherwise making a nuisance of itself.

I get that you're upset that you weren't a "New" sticker, that you were relegated to the retail B-Team of used merchandise. But there's no shame in that. Used and secondhand purchases make up a vital part of the American economy. Without you, thousands upon thousands of people would be out of a job. You allow people to make a living, and what better purpose is there?

Embrace who you are, and give up this passive-aggressive exercise of lashing out. Once the item is purchased, your work is done, you have fulfilled your destiny. You are a hero, and like all heroes, you need to know when it's time to ride off into the sunset. Don't overstay your welcome, and don't leave a mess for others to deal with. Just come away clean and exit with dignity. We will always be grateful, but you need to move on.

Gratefully yours,

Charles B. French

More Open Letters
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