, 6 tweets, 5 min read Read on Twitter
I finished scanning the Summer 1990 DAK Catalog. The Archive also has other scans I've done of 1984, 1987, and 1988. You either know about these catalogs or you absolutely don't. I'll just quickly mention why they're so meaningful.
The DAK Catalogs are grey-market electronics catalogs with straightforward gadgets and technology you could order. Think copiers, audio devices, speed radar jammers, handheld electronics, lights... what you might see for sale in the discount electronics part of a department store
What makes them different is that Drew Alan Kaplan (DAK) would write extremely lurid and intense copy for these items. He'd write them according to a tried and true template, which does work, and he'd sound empathetic except you'd realize that hand on your shoulder was a grip.
Do not make the mistake of thinking these didn't hit their mark - hundreds were employed by DAK at its peak and it can reasonably be credited with the wide adoption of Subwoofer speakers, which DAK promoted mercilessly.
For a whole set of people, these are the basic readable versions of late-night commercials/infomericals or being dragged into an extended sales pitch by a salesman on the floor. Read and enjoy from a safe distance, since you can't possibly pull your credit card out and get these.
Missing some Tweet in this thread?
You can try to force a refresh.

Like this thread? Get email updates or save it to PDF!

Subscribe to Jason Scott
Profile picture

Get real-time email alerts when new unrolls are available from this author!

This content may be removed anytime!

Twitter may remove this content at anytime, convert it as a PDF, save and print for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video

1) Follow Thread Reader App on Twitter so you can easily mention us!

2) Go to a Twitter thread (series of Tweets by the same owner) and mention us with a keyword "unroll" @threadreaderapp unroll

You can practice here first or read more on our help page!

Follow Us on Twitter!

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just three indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!