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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Tips from the Wiki for watching less TV

Watch less TV - 43FoldersWiki

There's a good, evolving page on the Wiki with tips for Watching Less TV. Some of the most immediately useful advice comes in the "Dealing with channel surfing" section:

It can be guaranteed that if you give up channel surfing, you will watch less TV. * Never just turn on the TV and watch whatever is on. * Only ever turn it on if you have first looked at the TV Guide and specifically decided to watch a particular program. * When that program is over, turn the TV off. If your TV has sleep timer, set it for the length of the program. * If you still want to watch TV, consult the Guide again and choose a specific program. * If nothing grabs you, go do something else.

I used to smugly think TiVo was my salvation, but I now realize how often I'm sitting through yet another C.S.I. or King of the Hill--shows I love, but that I have seen a half-dozen times and now just treat like a constantly-replenished bowl of video M&Ms.

Seems like the distinction in quality is subtle when any activity becomes rote; casual media consumption that's becomes automatic or compulsive could probably use a bit of reflection and possibly pruning.

Kenneth's picture

Not having cable is a...

Not having cable is a great solution for a lot of reasons:

1) Cable is a waste of money.

2) Cable companies spend money all all sorts of things we don't believe in. Getting cable into schools, for example. Vote with your $$$.

3) If you have little kids, it's one less thing that you have to say "no" too. "No, six year old daughter, you're not watching 'Sex in the City.'"

4) Get that ugly-ass TV out of your living room. Since there is nothing on anyway, we got a cart for when we want to watch a DVD.

We ditched cable 10 years ago and don't miss it.

 
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