Hello Nightfox!

I heard that people used to say similar things about books
(that they're mind-rotting etc.) before TV came aorund.

Reading and literacy have always been regarded as valued skills
and ability. I wonder if what you heard (ie. mind-rotting) was
from a select small group.

Sounds like a lot of "sky is falling" kind of over-
worrying. I don't think we are beholden to TV.

But I bet that many people consider tv is "easier" than reading
or not worth the effort. I had a young family in my book shop
one time and one of their kids runs up to their dad "Look what
I found!" ..and asked for permission to buy it. The dad said,
"You don't need that. We saw the movie."




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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Ogg to Nightfox on Wed Feb 01 2023 06:25 pm

Sounds like a lot of "sky is falling" kind of over-
worrying. I don't think we are beholden to TV.

But I bet that many people consider tv is "easier" than reading

Still, I don't really think TV is addicting like a drug, and I don't think there are significant adverse affects due only to TV. People can spend too much time doing a particular thing, and that's not unique to watching TV.

Nightfox
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Hello Nightfox!

Still, I don't really think TV is addicting like a drug,
and I don't think there are significant adverse affects due
only to TV. People can spend too much time doing a
particular thing, and that's not unique to watching TV.

In my experience tv can be addicting. My mom would insist NOT
missing the Young and the Restless everday and precisely on
time. If she arrived home after work at 4:30p, the first thing
she would do is turn on the tv to watch that. She'd only leave
the room or take off her coat if there was a commercial. My
dad was similar but initally addicted to the news; he'd watch
the hourly news from one feed, and then turn the dish (we had a
C-band system at one point) and watch the SAME news from
another feed - for HOURS! Eventually, he joined my mom with
the Y&R. :/


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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Ogg to Nightfox on Wed Feb 01 2023 08:43 pm

In my experience tv can be addicting. My mom would insist NOT
missing the Young and the Restless every day and precisely on
time. If she arrived home after work at 4:30p, the first thing
she would do is turn on the tv to watch that. She'd only leave
the room or take off her coat if there was a commercial. My

People often do things like that for almost anything they like to do. So I'm not sure it's because TV is addicting; probably that it's just a show she really liked to watch. And historically, TV shows have been only aired at a certain time and day, so unless you have a way to record it, you'll miss it if you aren't around to watch it at that time (which gives it a bit of scarcity).
There are still a lot of TV shows these days that are aired that way, but many people either have a way to record it or can watch it with on-demand streaming services, so they can watch it any time they want and don't need to make sure they're at the TV at a particular time.

Similarly, some people are big fans of certain bands and like to go to as many of their concerts as possible. Or, someone might be really into martial arts and attend a lot of martial arts competitions and events. Or perhaps someone might be a devout member of a church and like to make sure they attend church service regularly. Not everything like that is because of addiction.

Nightfox
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Hello Nightfox!

People often do things like that for almost anything they
like to do. So I'm not sure it's because TV is addicting;
probably that it's just a show she really liked to watch..

We had no means to record OTA at the time. But eventually I
found a way with an HDD recorder. Anyway.. the viewing of Y&R
was just one example. And this was every day, so yes.. that
constitutes addiction for the sake of other things that might
otherwise be more important.

...but many people either have a way to record it or can
watch it with on-demand streaming services, so they can
watch it any time they want and don't need to make sure
they're at the TV at a particular time.

Exactly. So that enables the addiction! :D

Similarly, some people are big fans of certain bands and
like to go to as many of their concerts as possible. Or,
someone might be really into martial arts and attend a lot
of martial arts competitions and events. Or perhaps
someone might be a devout member of a church and like to
make sure they attend church service regularly. Not
everything like that is because of addiction.

Bands, MA events, and church are different. Those wouldn't be
daily activities.

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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Ogg to Nightfox on Wed Feb 01 2023 10:17 pm

constitutes addiction for the sake of other things that might
otherwise be more important.

If they're prioritising it over other things that are more important, that could be considered an addiction.

...but many people either have a way to record it or can
watch it with on-demand streaming services, so they can
watch it any time they want and don't need to make sure
they're at the TV at a particular time.

Exactly. So that enables the addiction! :D

I was thinking earlier tonight that DVRs and on-demand streaming could actually make it easier to put off watching TV for more important things, because the content will be there for you to watch it any time. There would be no need to prioritize it over things that are more important.

Bands, MA events, and church are different. Those wouldn't be
daily activities.

Most TV shows aren't daily activities either. The Young and the Reestless may be an exception (I think it is on every day?), but most TV shows only have one episode released each week. And these days, many TV shows only have around 10-15 episodes per season (compared to 20+ years ago, when TV shows commonly had around 25 episodes per season).

Nightfox
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On 01 Feb 23 20:43:00 Ogg wrote...

Hello Nightfox!

Still, I don't really think TV is addicting like a drug, and I
don't think there are significant adverse affects due only to TV.
People can spend too much time doing a particular thing, and
that's not unique to watching TV.

In my experience tv can be addicting. My mom would insist NOT
missing the Young and the Restless everday and precisely on time.
If she arrived home after work at 4:30p, the first thing she would
do is turn on the tv to watch that. She'd only leave the room or
take off her coat if there was a commercial. My dad was similar
but initally addicted to the news; he'd watch the hourly news from
one feed, and then turn the dish (we had a C-band system at one
point) and watch the SAME news from another feed - for HOURS! Eventually, he joined my mom with the Y&R. :/

--- OpenXP 5.0.57 * Origin: fsxnet/2 (21:3/110.10)

To which Commodore Clifford replies...

I'm inclined to agree that it can be addicting... just like social media.

For awhile, before I cut it off entirely, I'd be constantly checking FB
just like "the kids" check their Tweeter feeds now.

TV can be the same way... especially with binge watching stuff on demand
and such. I've even noticed that in the Atari BBS community, one of the
most active topics of conversation revolves around who's watching what at
any given time and the suggestion to have others watch it.

I'm really convinced it's a thing. I remember for many many years, I
didn't really have any TV to speak of. I'd watch the odd movie here and
there on my laptop. Had a lot more free time back then. As I got the
TV, then the couch, things progressed into more TV watching and less
doing other hobbies. NetFlix.......? Even more time.

Now, only God knows how many services I'm subscribed to. So I need to go
to church next weekend and get the list from Him so I can start removing
some.

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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Nightfox to Ogg on Wed Feb 01 2023 05:14 pm

Still, I don't really think TV is addicting like a drug, and I don't think t

You really need to watch society from outside in order to realize how culturaly dependent we are on TV.

You walk into office and most of the talk which is not related to work itself has to do with things produced by TV. If they ask you your opinion about whatever new show they are broadcasting, and you tell them you have no idea what they are talking about because you don t watch TV, they either a) tell you you are lying b) tell you "yeah, I never watch TV either" (false). In either case you are left a bit of a pariah because you are not part of the same cultural unit the most of the country is integrated in.

Taking TV overdoses regularly is one of those cultural things that set you appart when skipped. It is like being a Spaniard and not partaking in Big-Bottles (drunktard parties), or not using Whatsapp. Failing to do these impair your ability to socialize because not acting like "regular people" does marks you as an outsider, and human societies are very good at othering anybody that does not conform to the mold.


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Hello Nightfox!

...but many people either have a way to record it or can
watch it with on-demand streaming services, so they can
watch it any time..

Exactly. So that enables the addiction! :D

I was thinking earlier tonight that DVRs and on-demand
streaming could actually make it easier to put off watching
TV for more important things, because the content will be
there for you to watch it any time. There would be no need
to prioritize it over things that are more important.

And then you end up with a pile of programming that you could
be tempted to binge watch. :D

...but most TV shows only have one episode released each
week. And these days, many TV shows only have around 10-15
episodes per season (compared to 20+ years ago, when TV
shows commonly had around 25 episodes per season).

So, then you record them all, and binge watch them over an
evening or weekend and sacrifice family and friends and other
things. :(



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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Arelor to Nightfox on Thu Feb 02 2023 04:34 am

You really need to watch society from outside in order to realize how culturaly dependent we are on TV.

You walk into office and most of the talk which is not related to work itself has to do with things produced by TV. If they ask you your opinion

Oh, there are a lot of times when people bring up a TV show or something and ask if I've seen it, and much of the time I haven't because I don't subscribe to many streaming services at all. I don't really think it's a big issue though. People have things they like to watch on TV, much in the same way some people have certain types of books (or authors) they like to read, music they like to listen to, etc..

TV is also a way to keep up to date on the news, like the newspaper, or the various sources we have online.

Nightfox
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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Ogg to Nightfox on Thu Feb 02 2023 08:25 am

I was thinking earlier tonight that DVRs and on-demand
streaming could actually make it easier to put off watching

And then you end up with a pile of programming that you could
be tempted to binge watch. :D

It may depend on the person. Personally, I feel like I can only take so much watching TV, and I'll probably feel like doing something else after maybe 2-3 hours. TV is a non-interactive form of entertainment, and sometimes I feel like I want to do something that involves keeping my mind more active, rather than just passively watching things.

...but most TV shows only have one episode released each
week. And these days, many TV shows only have around 10-15
episodes per season (compared to 20+ years ago, when TV
shows commonly had around 25 episodes per season).

So, then you record them all, and binge watch them over an
evening or weekend and sacrifice family and friends and other
things. :(

The simple answer is, prioritize friends and family over TV, especially when that TV content will still be there for you to watch later.

Nightfox
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Hello Arelor!

** On Thursday 02.02.23 - 04:34, Arelor wrote to Nightfox:

You walk into office and most of the talk which is not
related to work itself has to do with things produced by
TV. If they ask you your opinion about whatever new show
they are broadcasting, and you tell them you have no idea
what they are talking about because you don t watch TV,
[...]

Wrong answer! The best answer is "No comment." :D

[...] In either case you are left a bit of a pariah because
you are not part of the same cultural unit the most of the
country is integrated in.

Wouldn't bother me what they think of me. I'd rather not be
part of that clique if TV is their only source of
"conversation" anyway.

[...] Failing to do these impair your ability to socialize
because not acting like "regular people" does marks you as
an outsider, and human societies are very good at othering
anybody that does not conform to the mold.

Ever read "The Outsider" by Colin Wilson?

"Wilson lived this book as much as wrote it. As an impoverished
23-year-old, the Englishman slept in a tent in a London park so
that he could be free of material demands to dedicate himself
fully to his study. When The Outsider appeared in 1956, it
became a sensation among both critics and beats, who formed the
vanguard of the dawning Aquarian Age.

"In Wilson's epic exploration of mystics, visionaries, literary
pioneers, political troublemakers, and rule breakers of all
sorts, he evoked a new kind of heroism, which changed how we
view ourselves and our purpose in life.

Nothing wrong with being an outsider.

--- OpenXP 5.0.57
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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Nightfox to Arelor on Thu Feb 02 2023 09:08 am

TV is also a way to keep up to date on the news, like the newspaper, or the

He who does not read the newspaper is uninformed. He who reads the newspaper is misinformed.

It is always funny to watch people complain when they read something they are familiar with in the newspaper and get angry because the information is all wrong. THen they turn the page and assume the next article is 100% factually correct.

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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Ogg to Arelor on Thu Feb 02 2023 08:40 pm

Wouldn't bother me what they think of me. I'd rather not be
part of that clique if TV is their only source of
"conversation" anyway.

It is not a matter of being bothered by what they think of you, as much as a matter of having a harder time building networks of friends to support you because you are a cultural misfit.

I have been told in a very serious manner I must be an emotional-cripple because I don't want to partake in Big-Bottles. If you don't immerse yourself in the culture of the place you are located you are bound to be left cast aside by virtue of not thinking like everybody does. Like it or hate it, for a long time the TV has been the only opinion generator people considered
and thus people keeps only the canned opinions the TV gives to them. If
you exist outside the box you are a weird entity.


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Hello Arelor!

** On Friday 03.02.23 - 04:15, Arelor wrote to Ogg:

It is not a matter of being bothered by what they think of
you, as much as a matter of having a harder time building
networks of friends to support you because you are a
cultural misfit.

Let them have their Botell¢n and get drunk. The next day
wouldn't matter what they thought of you.

I have been told in a very serious manner I must be an
emotional-cripple because I don't want to partake in Big-
Bottles.

"emotional cripple" is hilarious. And that is from the people
who participate in big-bottles? If they need a bottle for
enjoyment, I would think they are the cripple.

If you don't immerse yourself in the culture of
the place you are located you are bound to be left cast
aside by virtue of not thinking like everybody does. Like
it or hate it, for a long time the TV has been the only
opinion generator people considered and thus people keeps
only the canned opinions the TV gives to them. If you exist
outside the box you are a weird entity.

Sounds like TV plays a big role in grooming attitudes in your
country. That sounds sad.

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Re: Failure of.. (reading/tv/blu-ray)
By: Ogg to Arelor on Mon Feb 06 2023 11:07 pm

I have been told in a very serious manner I must be an
emotional-cripple because I don't want to partake in Big-
Bottles.

"emotional cripple" is hilarious. And that is from the people
who participate in big-bottles? If they need a bottle for
enjoyment, I would think they are the cripple.

Lol, well, fun fact is some days after I posted this, somebody showed me a video from an Argentinan warning other South Americans against our habits.

I don't have the video here, but some pieces I remember:

"This place will turn you into an alcoholic."

"There is no way of socializing here other than drinking and eating. If you try to go out with friends to do something else, then at some point somebody will drag the group to a bar."

"Just after finishing job, my workmates told me to go out for some fun. They took me to a bar. Here they always give you snacks for free with your drinks, so what a lot of people does is to walk into a bar, drink and eat, then walk into the next bar in the street and drink and eat some more [...] by the time I realized I had been drinking and eating since 3 pm and it was nearly 11 [...] despite my efforts not to drink that much I was feeling like shit the next day."


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Hello Arelor!

** On Tuesday 07.02.23 - 07:17, Arelor wrote to Ogg:

Lol, well, fun fact is some days after I posted this,
somebody showed me a video from an Argentinan warning other
South Americans against our habits.

I suppose it's not really much different among youth anywhere
else actually. Tail-gate parties (primarily in the parking lot
at some sports arena, or just at someone's home) would be
common here too.

"There is no way of socializing here other than drinking
and eating. If you try to go out with friends to do
something else, then at some point somebody will drag the
group to a bar."

Yeah.. it's called a pub-crawl here. Very common at university
towns.
--
../|ug

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Ogg wrote to Arelor <=-

Yeah.. it's called a pub-crawl here. Very common at university
towns.

When I started working my first "real" job in San Francisco, my bus (an electric trolley, actually) picked me up from the Ferry building, right
on the bay. I'd have a friend meet me, we'd take the train to the next
stop, get off, have a drink, then get back on.

5 or 6 stops later, we'd end up at my apartment on the other end of
town, along the ocean.

The beauty of San Francisco back then was that you could get anywhere on
public transit, 24/7, and an monthly unlimited bus pass was $28.00.




... Simply a matter of work
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