TV question...

Calfkeeper · #1 05/22/06, 01:27 PM

Just curious after reading the satellite TV questions thread:

How many people out there DON'T even own a TV? And why not?

My husband and I don't own one; not because we don't believe in them just because we don't really need or want one. He's out doing milking on the dairy here in the AM and evenings and he thinks what's on TV is worthless anyway. We've only been married just under 2 years but before we got married I hadn't owned a TV in years simply because I just didn't have the patience to sit and watch it when I could be reading or out walking or writing a letter or whatever. I always felt like I was wasting my time when I was watching it. Not that there aren't things I WOULD like to watch; like nature shows or travel documentaries, but for the most part I just don't find it worthwhile.

Anyway, most friends and acquaintances think we are kind of odd for not owning a TV (or a microwave for that matter) so I was wondering if there are many others out there who don't own one either.

halfpint · #2 05/22/06, 01:40 PM

We do have one (and only one) and many people think we are wierd for that, nor do we have cable (not available here) or satellite. Many seem to think that the kids should each have a TV in their room. Funny thing is, most of my children's friends would rather come here than stay at home, we have tended to be the neighborhood gathering place - yet the TV is not allowed on when friends are here.

I don't think you're wierd, I think you're lucky. I'd get rid of mine in a split second if my husband would allow it.
Dawn

Patt · #3 05/22/06, 02:11 PM

We have one that we watch one TV show on Friday nights and we get Netflix movies to watch occasionally. That's it for us. We also don't like anything on TV, we got a 2 month cable for free offer and we had it shut off after a couple of weeks because there was nothing worth watching on. In the summer we just don't have any time for it.

WisJim · #4 05/22/06, 02:13 PM

We've got a TV, but we barely get one or two stations, as we no antenna. We got the TV and a VCR and a DVD player so we could watch movies that we borrow from the library, or that friends bring over to watch. No desire to watch TV programs at all.

wendys_goats · #5 05/22/06, 02:23 PM

We have a TV but it's not hooked up to any outside source no cable, dish, or antenna. It is just hooked up to a DVD/ VCR player. We watch a movie when we just want to relax or in the winter when we can't be outside too much. There just isn't anything worth watching anymore. Ever since the Walton's, Little House on the Prairie, and The Cosby show have left it went down the gutter.

Six years ago we put a new roof on and the antenna got beat up so we just decided not to replace it because we had young children at the time and prime time is not very family friendly any more.
People thought we were weird too. I even think one guy I used to work with thought it was almost child abuse or neglect because I didn't have TV.

I mean really, it was just terrible for them having to play games and read books and go outside and play instead.

I have only one child left at home and she reads about 4 books a week and she's on the A Honor Roll so I don't think they were too deprived of not being able to watch TV

Fire-Man · #6 05/22/06, 02:49 PM

Mercy-------------I Feel Like a Bad Guy or TV addict. I have 3 tv's hooked up(cable) in my CB Shop and one is a 50"--two 13" with vcr's. Have a 13" tv/vcr combo in the motor home and a 13" tv/vcr combo where I live with a DVD player and a 19" tv in my outside storage shed, where I would grill out. I don't just sit and watch TV very much, but like in my CB shop---I keep the TV on all day if I am working in the shop---keep glancing at it----It keeps me company and I like several of the shows that come on. At night I always turn on the TV---and unwind------when I get sleeply--Turn it off. I do read alot--well Backwoods home mag, Countryside, Mother Earth, ETC and some Gardening books. I feel watching TV is just a Habit and I would probably have a problem Stopping!! Randy

Brighid1971 · #7 05/22/06, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fire-Man

Mercy-------------I Feel Like a Bad Guy or TV addict. I have 3 tv's hooked up(cable) in my CB Shop and one is a 50"--two 13" with vcr's. Have a 13" tv/vcr combo in the motor home and a 13" tv/vcr combo where I live with a DVD player and a 19" tv in my outside storage shed, where I would grill out. I don't just sit and watch TV very much, but like in my CB shop---I keep the TV on all day if I am working in the shop---keep glancing at it----It keeps me company and I like several of the shows that come on. At night I always turn on the TV---and unwind------when I get sleeply--Turn it off. I do read alot--well Backwoods home mag, Countryside, Mother Earth, ETC and some Gardening books. I feel watching TV is just a Habit and I would probably have a problem Stopping!! Randy

Don't feel too bad Randy! We have two televisions, but only the one in the living room is hooked up to cable. The other television is the 15 year old one that we gave to my son when he is allowed to take his Game Cube into his bedroom. The new one my husband bought back in February...we have cable because we have no antenna reception out this way. Cable is also necessary as I will NOT go the way of dial up again :P

QBVII · #8 05/22/06, 03:14 PM

We have TVs but no cable or satellite reception, no antennae.
Mr. QBVII has a large DVD and movie collection; if we want to watch something, we have plenty.

raymilosh · #9 05/22/06, 03:30 PM

A friend traded me a tv/vcr for repairing his lawnmower. We turn it on to watch a movie every few weeks.
Kids gather where there is real playing going on...and where there are adults who pay attention to them.
I kind of like to hear folks' reactions when they find out I don't look at my tv. Some are embarassed and make excuses for their watching, some try to convince me how worthwhile such and such a show is, some say they couldn't do without it. I can't help but notice how they look and sound like addicts.
I also notice how the things suck me in whenever i'm in the vicinity of one. Luckily, however, it also doesn't take me more than an hour or so to think "these things are #!*#& worthless"...I feel like it's constantly telling me why I need to be afraid and what I need to buy and what i'm spozed tuh think."

Hip_Shot_Hanna · #10 05/22/06, 03:54 PM

We do not own a TV. Several factors influenced this choice at the moment.

1. Only satellite television is a reality out where we live as there is little to no reception any other way and we don't really want to pay for it.

2. We've never watched much television anyway.

3. We have a computer with a fairly decent sized flat screen monitor that is fine for watching movies anyway.

4. Should we decide to go with satellite television - I have already installed a TV tuner card in our computer which is also HD capable.

So, at this time we have no plans for television at all, but if we do, we'll just use the computer then.

Qwispea · #11 05/22/06, 04:16 PM

TV is a time waster..unless you weren't planning on doing anything anyway. Its nice to watch the news now and then..plus the occasional Columbo rerun (that sleuth makes me laugh).

The computer (INTERNET) is just as wasteful as TV..maybe more. To me..neither one is absolutely necessary..and in the long run..people might be far happier without them.

country_wife · #12 05/22/06, 04:44 PM

We have television, but no antennae, no satellite, only dvd/video. We watch a lot of videos in the winter, but rarely in the summer. We are just too busy being outside enjoying all of those extra daylight hours in the summer!

DH works with people that think we are sooo weird for not having tv. And it is kind of funny how much of people's conversations center on tv shows. Most of the time we have no idea what they are talking about!

When we lived in the city, we had cable, and I couldn't imagine life without it. Now that we live in the country, not even the children miss it! In fact, when they go to visit friends that have tv, they find it very annoying. Who can have a conversation with the idiot box raving in the background?

QBVII · #13 05/22/06, 04:54 PM

Quote:

The computer (INTERNET) is just as wasteful as TV..maybe more. To me..neither one is absolutely necessary..and in the long run..people might be far happier without them.

Oh I totally disagree --- the internet is an unbelievable resource.
Heck, anything you want to know you can just Google it and presto!
You can talk to people overseas and learn about different countries, look at aerial maps....research ANYTHING. Gets lots of info (like here.)
Get medical info, recipes....how to take care of animals....pay bills online...I could go on...
The internet is fantastic for information gathering.
TV is just entertainment, except for the occasional informative shows like Discovery channel, etc.

RockyRooster · #14 05/22/06, 05:04 PM

NO INTERNET? NO WAY. The money that internet has saved me compared to what it costs is just unbelievable. I couldnt imagine not being able to read all the advice on this forum. Every day it brings me closer to God and what he expects of us on this earth. I would rather be here then in church. I have become so much closer to the land and all it means, so much closer to family and all they mean. There is not a co-worker, friend or even outside family that has changed my attitude so much then this forum. Without Internet that would just be impossible.

Tango · #15 05/22/06, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calfkeeper

How many people out there DON'T even own a TV? And why not?

I own two but both are in storage. I last watched television about ten years ago when I had cable and watched Discovery or Animal Planet only- but even those got to be redndant andsensationalistic, imo. When I got rid of the cable bill, the televisions stayed for the dvd player. Up to last June, I enjoyed unwinding at the end of the day by watching a DVD, a few times a week. Usually the same old movies... Since I've moved off grid, I no longer watch DVD's but my son does watch them on my laptop. I feel like watching a movie is a huge waste of my time and I no longer seem to have the inclination. I read morning and night , write throughout the day, work outdoors with my animals, and take long walks in my woods and creek. Even the internet, which used to be a big time consumer for me, has taken a turn for the less. As for other electronic appliances, I only use a laptop right now. No microwave, no fridge, no freezer, no washer/dryer, no electricity.

Pony · #16 05/22/06, 05:34 PM

{Pony rummages around the house} T.V..... T.V. ... I know we had one somewhere around here....

{blowing dust off T.V.}

A-HA! I knew it!

We have one in the basement. It is hooked up to basic cable, but that is used even less than the occasional movie we watch. I do use it occasionally for continuing education DVDs and tapes, but that's about it.

Pony!

Qwispea · #17 05/22/06, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QBVII

Oh I totally disagree --- the internet is an unbelievable resource.
Heck, anything you want to know you can just Google it and presto!
You can talk to people overseas and learn about different countries, look at aerial maps....research ANYTHING. Gets lots of info (like here.)
Get medical info, recipes....how to take care of animals....pay bills online...I could go on...
The internet is fantastic for information gathering.
TV is just entertainment, except for the occasional informative shows like Discovery channel, etc.

Yes, I agree that the internet is a valuable resource. I never said otherwise..only said that it is as wasteful as TV. But as seen here..not everybody wastes their time on TV..and those who do watch TV are able to use it to an advantage. I consider my 'news' watching on TV as a benefit..and I consider my occasional "Columbo" show to be entertainment. Both of these are beneficial to me.

The internet is a valuable resource..but it can be a terrible time waster if not used wisely..same as the TV.

Barb · #18 05/22/06, 07:13 PM

A TV but no reception or connection. We watch movies or something the daughter has taped for us from the Discovery channel , History channel or gasp

Surviver. We usually only watch a 1/2 hour a night when we are winding down. Right now we are watching the first year of the Waltons on DVD.

blufford · #19 05/22/06, 08:14 PM

You don't have to know them long for some people who have given up television to give you that smirk and tell you all the reasons why they don't have one. They must think they're a notch up on everyone that does.
I like a little televison every now and then.

Calfkeeper · #20 05/22/06, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blufford

They must think they're a notch up on everyone that does.
I like a little televison every now and then.

Sure, so do I, and I don't really think I'm a notch up on anyone for not having a TV and I don't really get smug about it when people ask. To me it's just funny to see people's reactions to our not having a TV. Also, when I have friends who tell me they don't know how I live without it and that they COULDN'T live without it...well...it just makes me wonder what they are living for.