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50 Things That Were Ruined Because Too Many People Did It

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In our dynamic world, some things have lost their charm due to overuse. They were once unique, exciting, and special, but as more people jumped on the bandwagon, they became commonplace, losing their original allure.

Two young women at a festival.

This blog post will delve into the phenomenon of how oversaturation can tarnish the appeal of certain activities, trends, or experiences. It's a curious exploration of how too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to its downfall.

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1. Subscriptions

An elderly woman choosing a subscription packet.

This Redditor touches on a growing frustration many of us share. They long for the days when buying software like Office or AutoCAD was a one-time deal. Now, it seems every tool we need is locked behind a yearly subscription, forcing us to continuously shell out money. Their nostalgia for simpler, less expensive times is something many can relate to.

2. Small Town's Pirate House

A Redditor shares a nostalgic tale of a once enchanting Halloween house in their small town. The owners, with Hollywood-grade props and actors, recreated a lively "Pirates of the Caribbean" scene. It was a local treasure until it caught widespread attention, leading to overwhelming crowds and police intervention. Sadly, this gem had to shut down due to its unexpected popularity.

3. Etsy

Etsy once sparkled as a haven for unique, handmade crafts. Now, it's awash with resellers peddling mass-produced items, drowning out the few authentic crafters left. What was once a marketplace for creativity is becoming a warehouse for cheap knock-offs. Sadly, it seems Etsy has lost its charm to commercialism.

4. Visiting Historical Sites

Major historical spots, meant to be windows into the past, are regrettably becoming pricey, poorly kept tourist traps. The surge of visitors not only inflates costs but also leads to litter and damage. This overuse undeniably dims their inherent beauty, spoiling the experience for anyone seeking a genuine peek into history.

5. Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls

This Redditor reminisces about when Havasupai Falls in Arizona was a peaceful, pristine sanctuary. Now, it's sadly overrun and polluted, a casualty of the quest for the ultimate Instagram photo. Its allure has given way to lengthy queues, a fallout of its popularity, and the indifference of those who neglect its natural grandeur.

6. Craft Fairs

Craft fairs, traditionally a refuge for unique, handmade items like knitted slippers, have been swamped by multilevel marketing companies like Norwex. The quaint charm of purchasing from eclectic artisans has been replaced by commercialized goods, leaving many nostalgic for the authentic, slightly quirky craft fairs of the past.

7. Thrift Shopping

Thrift stores, the former havens for frugal treasure hunters, have gotten a makeover. Over the past 15 years, they've traded their quiet charm and low prices for bustling crowds and steeper tags. The thrill of securing a gem is now more of a rarity, making each thrift shopping expedition feel like a lottery.

8. Drone Flying

The thrill of flying drones has been dampened by reckless enthusiasts. Once an open sky, now it's filled with red tape due to misuse. Permits, potential fines, and even terrorism suspicions have made this hobby a high-risk endeavor. It's a classic case of a few ruining the fun for many, leaving drone enthusiasts grounded.

9. Airbnb

The allure of Airbnb has faded over time. Once a budget-friendly alternative to hotels, it's now often more expensive with surprisingly stringent house rules. Comparatively, hotels offer a carefree stay without the expectation of guests vacuuming or dusting. The charm of Airbnb is being overshadowed by its own success, making traditional hotels a more appealing option for many.

10. Storage Locker Bidding

A storage facility.

This Redditor formerly found pleasure in the specialized hobby of storage locker auctions. But as popularity surged, so did prices, eroding the enjoyment. People began excessively spending on what essentially turned into a paid task - sorting through others' discarded items. This once enjoyable diversion transformed into a tedious chore, causing this Redditor to drop the hobby.

11. Adblock

Remember when adblock warnings were as rare as a unicorn sighting? Not anymore! They're everywhere now, like digital party crashers. It's a never-ending game of 'tag,' users, and websites trying to outwit each other. The adblocker trend caused this domino effect. It's a classic case of a good thing turning a bit sour because everyone jumped on the bandwagon.

12. Cooking Shows

Cooking shows used to be a platform for skilled chefs to impart their culinary knowledge. Now, they're a crowded arena of celebrities, regardless of their cooking prowess, rehashing the same dishes. The initial goal of educating and motivating home cooks appears forgotten amidst the celebrity hype. Their own fame seems to have watered down the allure of these shows.

13. Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail, known for being a quiet nature spot, now suffers from its visitors' trash. The calm alone time it used to offer is now filled with noisy crowds. Sadly, the trail's clean beauty and calmness, which made it special, seems to be fading because of its growing fame.

14. Children’s Book Writing

Children's books were once the domain of gifted storytellers, spinning yarns to spark youthful wonder. But celebrity involvement has altered the landscape. With every star penning a book, the enchantment is fading. Now seen as just another celebrity accomplishment, genuine storytellers struggle to stand out in an increasingly crowded field.

15. Early Morning Drive

Traffic jam.

This Redditor shares a common frustration. The once peaceful early morning drive to work, a time of solitude and calm before the day's storm, has become just another rush hour. It seems everyone had the same idea - beat the traffic by leaving earlier. Unfortunately, this collective strategy backfired, turning the tranquil dawn commute into a congested struggle.

16. Festivals

The charm of local festivals has faded, swallowed by the surge of popularity. Now, they're a sea of faces, prices skyrocketing, and corporate banners fluttering in the wind. The intimacy and authenticity that made these gatherings special have been traded for mass appeal and profit margins. Sadly, this transformation illustrates how excessive popularity ruins the essence of a good thing.

17. Mt. Everest

The appeal of conquering the highest peak on Earth, Mt. Everest, has been swarmed by adventurers. Regrettably, it turned the majestic mountain into a trash-strewn site and an eerie resting place for those who didn't make it back. This sobering reality underscores the importance of balancing our ambitions with respect for nature's majesty.

18. Apple Picking

Apple picking has morphed from a rustic, simple joy into a bustling tourist attraction. What used to be a peaceful outing on a farm is now a commercial spectacle with paid parking, admission fees, and a slew of extra activities. The charm of climbing trees for the best fruit has been lost in the hustle of modern entertainment.

19. Streaming Services

Reflecting on the evolution of streaming services, this Redditor pines for simpler times when Netflix was the sole player. The proliferation of studio-specific platforms has resulted in a jumble of subscriptions, complicating the viewing experience. Ironically, they note, it's now more cost-effective to purchase individual shows or movies you fancy rather than juggling multiple subscriptions.

20. Manhattanhenge

Manhattanhenge during sunrise.

For many, Manhattanhenge in NYC was a hidden gem, a fleeting spectacle appreciated by a select few. But now, thanks to Instagram and influencers, it's become a crowded, somewhat goofy event. Streets are blocked, cameras flash, and what used to be a casual 'hey, that's neat' moment is now a bustling photo-op.

21. House Flipping

One Redditor raises a valid point about the house-flipping trend. While it's commendable to transform a rundown house into a livable space, the problem arises when the revamped $220k home is resold for an inflated price of $350k. This trend doesn't help home affordability and may even push many potential homeowners out of the market.

22. Nashville

Someone's grandfather cherished his quiet weekends in Nashville back when it was a modest, laid-back town. Fast forward to today, and Nashville has transformed into a bustling travel hotspot, drawing crowds from all corners. The tranquility that once defined it seems lost in the sea of eager tourists, much to the disappointment of those who remember its simpler times.

23. Outdoor Activities

Anything related to outdoor activities can offer immense joy when experienced in solitude. However, the delight dwindles when others invade your peaceful hike with blaring music or when your fishing spot becomes a noisy gathering. The magic of National Parks also diminishes with the sight of graffiti, litter, defaced ancient trees, and tourists obstructing paths for selfies.

24. Shopping at Target

Shopping at Target used to be an easy, breezy experience. Now, it seems like everyone has discovered the charm of those red bullseye deals. As a result, long lines snake through the store, turning what was once a quick shopping trip into a lengthy ordeal. The bustling crowds somewhat diminish the joy of finding a bargain.

25. Secret Vending Machine

A man is using a vending machine at a mall.

This Redditor reminisces about a secret vending machine that, with the right nudge, gave out two sodas instead of one. A small group enjoyed this bounty for a good six months. But, as word spread, the glitch was fixed - no more double sodas. It's a bittersweet lesson: sometimes, sharing too much can take the fizz out of a good thing.

26. Maya Bay

The beach Maya Bay - from the movie "The Beach" - was initially a pristine paradise tucked away in Thailand. However, after the film's release, it was inundated with tourists. The previously secluded spot lost its charm due to excessive foot traffic. This is a typical case of overexposure spoiling a good thing - an abundance of footprints can mess up even the most idyllic sand.

27. Iceland

Iceland's charm attracted a swarm of tourists, causing a ripple effect. Living costs rocketed, housing prices inflated, partly fuelled by Airbnb. Nature's wonders are eroding under the weight of careless visitors. For natives, this means grappling with the harsh reality of being priced out of their own homeland. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when popularity becomes the spoiled sport.

28. National Parks

Before 2018, National Parks were a free-roaming paradise. Post-Covid, they're jammed with visitors, causing long entry lines and forcing permits for popular hikes. What was once an open playground for nature lovers is now a crowded hotspot, with accessibility hindered by bureaucratic hurdles. It's a classic case of too much love spoiling the natural tranquility.

29. Farmers Markets

Farmers markets have morphed from peaceful shopping spots to bustling arenas of oddball sellers and pushy performers. Shoppers yearning for a quiet purchase or an unpretentious coffee find themselves navigating a maze of eccentricity and aesthetics-chasers. It's a lamentable turn of events when the simple joy of local trade gets swallowed in the crowd.

30. Youtube

Youtube app on a phone.

This Redditor fondly reminisces about YouTube's early days, filled with amateur videos, authentic reactions, and entertaining, albeit low-quality, game music videos. They lament the platform's evolution into a sanitized, corporate entity driven by algorithms, likes, subscriptions, and obnoxious influencers. The original spirit of creativity and spontaneity, they argue, has been lost to the crowd's influence.

31. College

In the past, a college degree was like a golden passport to a successful career. Now, it's not quite the same. With so many graduates flooding the job market, that diploma doesn't shine as brightly. It's an era of academic oversaturation where simply having a degree doesn't cut it anymore - it's about standing out in the crowd.

32. Z-Library

Z-library, a digital oasis for book lovers, met an unfortunate fate when its popularity exploded due to TikTok users. The subsequent viral attention led to its shutdown by U.S. law enforcement in 2022, leaving many users bereft. This tale serves as a clear caution of how too much exposure can sometimes lead to the demise of a cherished resource.

33. Burning Man

The iconic desert utopia known as Burning Man has evolved. The original hippie stalwarts have faded, replaced by hedge-fund college students and party-loving fraternity kids. This influx has ironically watered down the festival's unique essence. It's as though the event's distinctive magnetism is being lost in a sea of mainstream attendees looking only for a cool Instagram photo.

34. True Crime Documentaries

The fascination with true crime has dramatically increased recently. What used to be a hunt for documentaries or websites is now an onslaught of TV channels, podcasts, and magazines. Suddenly, everyone's claiming expertise! The genre's popularity surge has ironically diluted its authenticity. It's like sifting through static noise for the real deal - the underground mystique is sadly fading.

35. Collectibles

A rare Pokemon card collection.

This Redditor expressed his frustration over the commercialization of hobbies. They argue that the trend of having collectibles like comic books or sports cards professionally graded by companies like PSA has transformed personal passions into mere investments. The example of grading a sealed Back to the Future VHS tape underlines their point about the excessive monetization of hobbies.

36. Social Media

Social media, in its early days, was a sweet spot for connecting and sharing moments. But as the crowd grew, so did the challenges. It became a loud market, filled with noise, misinformation, and privacy issues. The simplicity and joy that characterized the early days of social media took a backseat, overshadowed by these complications.

37. Baseball Festival

A Redditor fondly recalls a previously laid-back baseball festival in a neighboring university town. This free event, filled with tents, beverages, and friendly rivalry, fell victim to commercialization. Regrettably, the appeal faded as steep admission costs and unneeded extravagances supplanted the uncomplicated pleasure of simply enjoying oneself.

38. Having Dogs

Dogs, traditionally seen as signs of responsible pet ownership, are increasingly found running amok in communal areas. With many owners neglecting essential training, these pets can cause chaos and mess. This disregard has diminished the pleasure of owning a dog, transforming a cherished custom into a public irritation.

39. Low-Cost Vending Machine

This Redditor shares a tale from their days at an airport. A fellow worker secretly installed budget-friendly vending machines in break rooms, providing cheap snacks to the staff. This hidden perk continued for years until a blabbermouth shared it with passengers. The management caught on, removed the economical machines, and replaced them with their own costly versions.

40. Nurse Practitioners

A nurse at work using a PC.

A Redditor brings up an interesting point about Nurse Practitioners. Originally, the role was intended for seasoned nurses to support physicians. Now, fresh graduates are jumping into part-time online NP courses, becoming clinicians and prescribers with less supervised experience than MD/DO physicians. They're advocating for independence, demonstrating how too many people doing the same thing can dilute its value.

41. Service Animals

A troubling trend has emerged where people declare their pets as service animals, even when they're not. This selfish act has created hurdles for genuine service animals to get their certification or permission to provide their service. It's a classic case of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch, making things harder for those who truly need these vital companions.

42. Podcasts

Podcasts used to be a wealth of humor, wisdom, and knowledge. They were the secret stars of audio entertainment. But now, it seems like everyone with a microphone and a mildly amusing anecdote has jumped on the podcast bandwagon. This has diluted the quality, turning what was a niche delight into an overwhelming sea of mediocrity.

43. Disney's Toy Story Tradition

Toy Story characters at Disney World used to amusingly fall flat if "Andy's coming!" was yelled. This enjoyable secret went viral, leading to constant shouting of the phrase. The enchantment of the act was smothered in the noise, making the actors abandon it. This is a regrettable instance of an enjoyable surprise being ruined by excess repetition.

44. The Roman Fish Sauce

This Redditor shares a captivating tale about an ancient Roman fish sauce. Its recipe remains a mystery, but it was so scrumptious that the Romans devoured it to the point of driving the specific fish used in the sauce to extinction. Now, even if we discovered the recipe, we couldn't recreate it, making it a truly lost delicacy.

45. Facebook

A Facebook app on the phone.

Facebook originally served as a private community, an intimate hub for sharing photos and creating events. However, as it broadened its reach to the general public and integrated the timeline feature, the platform lost its appeal. The wave of new users resulted in a chaotic and overwhelming environment, transforming what was formerly a pleasure into a digital uproar.

46. Photographers

The boom of digital cameras in the mid-2000s sparked a surge of aspiring "professional photographers" among distant friends and relatives. Suddenly, everyone seemed to be offering photo sessions, driven by the need to cover costs for their new equipment and classes. This unexpected wave blurred the line between hobbyist and professional, making things quite peculiar for a time.

47. Record Collecting

In the early 2000s, record collecting was a joyous, inexpensive hobby. You could find musical gems in cheap garage sale boxes. But now, those discarded records are pricey collectibles in overstocked stores. Even new releases are expensive and often delayed, arriving in subpar packaging. The charm of affordable music discovery has been lost to commercialization and mass appeal.

48. Grocery Couponing

The art of grocery couponing was initially a secret weapon for a select few. They'd swoop in, coupons in hand, and leave with a bounty of bargains. But as this hidden gem became public knowledge, grocery chains caught on. Unfortunately, the golden days of couponing dwindled, evolving into a narrative of the consequences of overexposure.

49. Rap Music

Rap music originated from the streets of New York and grew in popularity across America in the 80s and 90s as more people from underdeveloped neighborhoods in the country resonated with the ability to tell the story behind their hardened, troubled lives. Now, however, it seems as if everyone who likes stringing together rhymes can call themselves a rapper, diminishing the original power and depth of rap music.

A crowded local restaurant.

TV show features can give local restaurants a huge marketing boost, allowing their delicious food to be known to a larger number of people.

However, one Redditor believes that shows like “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” end up ruining these places for local customers, as they get bombarded by tourists who only want to go just because they saw it on a show. This leads to longer wait times for regular customers, sometimes up to an hour and a half!

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