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Sundance's avatar

So true! I discontinued cable a couple years ago, and in my rural area there is no TV without it. There was absolutely nothing worth my time to watch on TV, whether or not it was a channel of talking heads you politically agree with or hate. Other programs are not worth sitting through the commercials. I have a peace of mind back that is jarred when I walk into someone’s house who has their TV on. With my good internet connection from an independent local ISP I can go down rabbit holes, but they’re the ones of my choosing. PBS Passport let’s me watch their stuff with a simple donation and not suffer their fundraising. Netflix has interesting documentaries. Then there’s Kanopy from the library system. Amazon Prime has betrayed me by no longer being Free as advertised, instead subjecting me to 30-60 second commercial interruptions. As you say, Bob, they’re trying to steal my time, so it’s no longer free. Bait and switch. YouTube is endlessly fascinating on so many subjects, worth paying to avoid commercials, which are thankfully short anyway. I seldom even watch videos embedded in news stories because the commercials waste my time. My brain is mine, and is relieved from maddening commercialism. It was easier to adapt to than I initially thought.

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