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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.

Karen Euler's picture

I loved TV when I...

I loved TV when I lived with Mom and Dad. Eight is (couldn't get) Enough. But in college I unhooked. Now I'm nearing 20 adult years of never owning a TV. I read a few books, and cook a little when I'm at home. Of course I like movies out, and maybe will get a nice resolution monitor for DVDs when the price comes down. Plus there is this thing called the radio. It's not to say I am holy! I can browse the Web madly with the best of them, which has driven me to buy the GTD bible!

 
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