Black Friday is a startling reminder of how many companies we have thoughtlessly given our email to | James Colley

It's the result of a system designed to weaponise our brain chemistry against us - oh, we shouldn't buy that, but what if we did?

I procrastinated starting this article. I was all set up and ready to begin writing when I received an email from a store I've never visited with a great deal on items I do not need and cannot afford, even with an outrageously good discount.

Philosophically, I am not a materialist. Practically, I really enjoy things, and the having of them. Sorry, another quick delay as I look at this $550 chess board. Seems a little extravagant but when you consider the savings, it would be silly not to have it.

James Colley is the head writer of the ABC's Gruen and Question Everything as well as the author of The Next Big Thing published by Pantera Press