Two years ago I decided to turn off my TV forever. Don’t freak immediatelly. I am still watching some DVDs and series like Lost and Prison break but I don’t watch any shows, news, etc.
My idea is nothing new. Many people (here is a couple doing this more than 10 years) have tried this before and many households live without TV. The thing is that when you actually don’t watch TV for a week you won’t ever wish to watch again.
I am not going to describe why TV is useless. The reason is simple. Whatever you decide to do instead of watching TV is more useful. Think of it: From reading the news you want on the internet to going out with friends, everything is far more valuable than wasting your time in front of TV.
The very first thing that will change in your life when you actually turn off your TV is to understand how annoying the TV was! You will start noticing the existance of TVs wherever you go. They will simply become annoying to you. Simply because you will understand what a waste of time watching TV was. Then you will discover that you actually have more free time. This time can be invested to yourself. Go out instead of staying in for a movie. Get a more social life. Even if you are not in the mood of doing anything at all, simply sleep. Don’t turn on the TV. Invest every second on yourself and you will rewarded.
Since we moved (about two months ago) we haven’t set up cable and actually we haven’t missed TV at all. I will admit I have used the computer and Netflix to get movies. I wonder if we can make it a few years like you.
I am sure you would agree that one thing I notice whenever I turn on a TV is how many ads there are!
Anyhow good luck on your no TV idea and you are definitely not alone…
I just want you to know that I am giving up on TV. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up on the square box completely, I may still watch a movie or old show on DVD occasionally. The truth is, there is nothing left to watch on TV. They used to have good programming, but the network executives are so mad, so corrupt with power, that anything good has been axed and replaced with awful, awful unwatchable dribble called reality TV. I’m not giving in to this dimensia anymore. I’m also considering bringing computers to an end, because the Diablo game for the PC was the Last really good video game. I need to live!
Im also giving up on TV, I still watch south park. It destroys creativity and tries to tell you whats cool, im happy with my individuality.
I think what your doing is a real great thing. I recently got cable for my parents and I realized shortly after that it’s pointless. Paying 30$ a month for something that you don’t even watch, it’s quite ridiculous. I rarely watch TV unless it’s some sort of “social watching” (sort of like social smoking or drinking). I wish you luck and I’m sure you’ll make it to ten years.
My wife and I gave up about three months ago.And ya I had some withdrawel.But for the sake of my kids my wife and myself it had to be done.That little box in the living room with the window into our culture we all sit and somnambulantly stare out of . It is a prison that you inflict upon yourself as wide as your sofa and as long as your remote clutching reach. Your cell is intentionaly comfortable and you yourself lock the door. seperation from reality is as much a part of being human as flatulence or illness.
Just had the dish shut off. That experience alone makes me not want tv anymore. They had no options on the web or by phone to cancel. Had to get a live rep, who acted shocked. She offered me lower packages, offered to put my account on hold, and even offered to put my account in another family members name, anything but cancel. When I said no I was transferred to an account specialist who also tried to talk me out of it. Finally I was advised that if I even sign up again I must buy alll new equipment and my first month would cost double. Ha Ha, I won’t be back, I’m free!
Not to mention I will save over $600 per year on subscription costs and nearly $40 per year in state tax.
CONGRATULATIONS! I came to the same conclusion several years ago and stopped watching the boob tube. Joe