Some older printers still allow you to print without one cartridge if you adjust your printer settings properly. However, newer models are way more restrictive, thus forcing you to buy a new cartridge. Some may say this is late-stage capitalism at its finest, others may find corporate greed to be at fault, and some may defend this measure saying that it's for the better, as having all of your cartridges filled may produce better colors. Whatever your take is on this matter, it sure is inconvenient.