Our shrinking world

Re: “Objects in store are smaller than they appear,” Nov. 9

Your fascinating article exposed commercial packaging practices that many consider deceptive and unfair to consumers -- for example, a dimple at the bottom of a peanut butter jar.

Not expressly addressed is the issue of whether such practices are actually illegal and whether duped consumers might have a civil remedy against the deceptive manufacturers. Numerous states, including California, have deceptive-trade-practices statutes, but tricky packaging that accurately discloses the quantity of the contents does not easily fall within any of the statute’s prohibitions.

Absent from your article was any mention of a certain newspaper that, to save costs, recently laid off another 75 staff members -- including reporters and editors -- without reducing its price, despite the -- shall we call it -- “talent dimple.”

Let’s see if, in your own words, “consumers who notice they are getting less for their money will stop buying the product.”

Aidan Butler

Los Angeles