the pirates of the analog industry

Everyone is familiar with the idea of pirates. Those terrifying unkempt creatures that voyage over rolling dark waters. Their eyes are dark and they're missing teeth. They hoist a dark flag and strike fear into the hearts of anyone who encounters them. Those pirates are in search of one thing, and one thing only, gold.
Surprisingly enough there are pirates of the film developing industry as well. However, instead of aboard a ship- they sit behind the counter at retail and drugstores. Their eyes are dark and they're missing teeth. They hoist their companies logo into the air and strike fear into the hearts of anyone who encounters them. Those "pirates" are in search of one thing, and one thing only, your film negatives.

Now, you're probably thinking what an odd analogy to use and you're totally right. But stick with me, it will make sense in a minute.
In the film industry getting you film back is the equivalent of gold. The archivability of film is one of one of the greatest differences between film and digital. Digital files can be corrupted and years of work would be lost forever. Old negatives can still be developed so you are still able to retrieve your photos years after you shoot them no matter what. Sadly, many large retail and drugstores have decided to keep your negatives and maybe even throw them away after you've received your photos. Absolutely despicable. Of course this isn't the employees fault and the blame can most likely be placed on those with higher authority in the retail and drugstore business. My guess is that they are unaware of the importance that film negatives are to the photographer and expect the photographer to be just as ignorant. Negatives are like gold and not even having them in your possession should be a crime! A crime I tell you!