[Boatanchors] RATSHACK?

[FRED - W4FJF]

HI FRIENDS,
    "STUMPING" Radio Shack employees is like shooting fish in a barrel. Most are completely clueless when it comes to anything more complicated than batteries, cellphones, and satellite tv installations. Most Radio Shacks refuse to carry anything that looks like it would be part of a radio, because they claim that the stuff "doesn't sell". I asked for knobs that fit 1/4" shafts today at the Tallassee Al. Radio Shack. All I got at first was a real dumb look (they don't charge for them, at least not yet) then a reach for the "know it all catalog". Five minutes later, I GOT AN ANSWER! AND IT WAS "we don't stock these anymore, because nobody asks for them anymore. I live in a town that has 27 active hams, so I think my ANSWER was an outright lie. Radio Shack refuses to cater to hams anymore.
   I was offered the option of ordering thru the catalog, but was informed that I would have to pay the shipping charges. I asked the man if he knew what a "fat chance" was, and left the store. So I'll call Mouser or All Electronics Tuesday morning, pay the shipping charges anyway, but at least be able to talk to somebody who knows about electronics and them "radio thingies". Lafayette radio, then Heathkit, now Ratshack, your local radio supply store is no more.
                   TNX FM FRED - W4FJF, 73
            A FOOLS PARADISE IS A WISE MAN'S HELL.