May 12, 2007
Killing my television was the best thing I've ever done.
You've opened my eyes to the world around me.
I've become more creative and less fearful of the world.
So turn off your television sets, turn them off right now, turn them off right
in the middle of this sentence that I'm speaking to you now- TURN THEM OFF!
Keep fighting the good fight.
In unity
Thebooklord
April 4, 2007
Hello, Ron,
I enjoy your site, but I have also determined that other mind-robbing objects
besides over indulging in sports, sex, and television, are dogs. People have
begun to behave just like them. Take food for instance. People just don't know
when to stop eating. Restaurants manipulate diners by serving them so much that
people think they are getting a great deal to be stuffed. No one eats at home
anymore, where this could be controlled. There are lots and lots of rewards
in the shape of food, especially for kids, have you seen how overweight they
are? Parents think this is acceptable because they get food rewards, too. People
dress their dogs, love their dogs as if they were children. Some have even stopped
having children because the commitment is too great. Dogs are so much easier.
A wagging tail means it's happy to see you. So what, that's what dogs do.
You don't get smarter when you banter with a dog, I say.
The pet industries know that puppies are cute, so they manipulate people into
buying everything for them. Hats, coats, shoes and dresses. It has become so
perverted that if some of this money were going to humanity I think people would
feel better.
We are losing our civility. There is no sophistication, kindness or manners.
Where will it end?
Thank you,
Margot Plummer
Golden, Colorado
PS I sent a cartoon a few years back by Dave Suter, here it is again.
March 27, 2007
Ron,
As a college student taking a debate course who will be arguing for the elimination of TV tomorrow, I wanted to drop you a quick note to say “Thank You.” Not only was your site a one-stop resource, but I found myself spending all night just perusing all the interesting content you’ve posted. I especially appreciated the commentary you provided on the movie, “Network,” which I have not seen but have already placed in my Netflix queue.
You’ve clearly devoted a lot of time and effort to your site. I applaud you. Hopefully, I shall win some converts tomorrow during the debate.
-Kristian Magnani
Pasadena, CA.
March 26, 2007
I feel like it is not really the television that is the problem, but the fact
that people are watching it too much. I do believe it can be addictive, a drug
if you would. It is something than can be controlled in moderation, and as long
as it does not become the centerpiece of our lives, we can live with it. I personally
watch maybe two hours a week, and I have not really ever been a gigantic TV
fan, but I know those who are, and those whose DVR is their lifeline. I find
the DVR fascinating, being able to fast-forward through commercials and skipping
the advertisement part of television has become something that makes the tube
almost tolerable. Almost. There are very few shows I will watch, knowing the
"vast wasteland" that there is available. I am not quite there to
cancelling it out of my life completely, but I can definitely see this in my
future. It is not that I view television as completely evil, it is just there
are so many more interesting things I could be doing while not sitting passively,
staring at a screen.
Thank you,
Andrew Brunelle
Feb. 1, 2007
I Just sold my company and was looking for a cause in life to fight for, (not that they are hard to come by) and I thought of my life long struggle with TV. This terrible addiction (for me only a couple hours per day, but still insidious), and of trying to create a non profit to fight the beast. I finally got up the courage to send the cable boxes back. My two large flat screens now sit dormant my brain is waking up again.
We are being anethistized in the country. We are becoming (have become) passive observers of the world.
Greg
Jan. 21, 2007
During a night of dinner and wine with a few friends from college, the topic
of reality shows “gone bad” came up. The woman who drank too much
water and died during a radio show contest for who can drink the most bottled
water was discussed and the woman who committed suicide after being rejected
from a plastic surgery reality show for ugly people was also brought up. Our
conclusion is this; our society has gone Reality Disgusting. We have become
obsessed with the humiliation of others and seemingly show no remorse. I believe
it is time to find another hobby. Whatever it must be, knitting or rock climbing,
lets figure something out.
We are calling for a ban of reality shows for the week of February 5th –
9th where no one watches reality TV. If you watch or do not watch these shows
please spread the word for the moral restoration of our society for a whole
week.
Jan. 14, 2007
Just want to voice my support for your site and comment on some of the 'hate
mail'. It's interesting that some of the comments for defence of tv programming
was that it's just a nice 'escape' perhaps from the 'harshness of reality'.
Well...yeah, and that's the problem. If you seek to 'escape' and find reality
'harsh', turn off the tv and do some work on yourself to find life's little
pleasures from sources within yourself and perhaps through the use of your very
human ability to think, reason, and imagine and not be spoon-fed information
and entertainment in a mindless, robotic fashion.
Secondly, I want to touch on the comment made by the lady condeming you for
hiding an 'anti-capitalist agenda' in the guise of an anti-tv site. Capitalism,
like tv, simply provides another path to the dumbing-down and subtle acquiessence
of society. Capitalism teaches us that wealth comes before our fellow man, that
not everyone deserves the basic comforts of life, and that we need to 'buy'
and collect 'things' to find happiness that doesn't exist in our own vacant,
empty souls. TV teaches us this too.
And thirdly...such angry remarks! TV is ever-so important to people that they
resort to petty insults and name-calling. Again, such behaviour should be a
call to examine oneself and find the source of such anger, but...in our society,
we are taught to look to everything but OURSELVES for that elusive glimmer of
happiness...so these people must not be to blame for their own hate...?
Keep up the good work on the site. I suppose it's obvious that I view TV as
another tool to lead a struggling human race astray. It's a small thing, TV,
but plays such a large part in people's lives and their constant reaching out
in desperation for something meaningful that I feel it's a cause well championed!
Respectuflly,
Sub
Jan. 4, 2007
I've decided to turn off my TV for a year. I love television. I use it to space out and relax, but it has become a clear addiction. I'm documenting my withdrawal.
I'm thinking of taking an IQ test now and then in one year to see the difference.
I like your website. It is encouraging!
Jan. 3, 2007
I wanted to express my gratitude for the creation of
your valuable website regarding the disadvantages of
TV viewing. I have decided I will never watch TV,
ever again. I tend to fall into depressive states of
mind very easily, and have had this difficulty since
age 11 or 12 for many reasons, some controllable and
others not as much. I realized some time ago that my
excessive watching habit was due to depression, and I
must confront my thoughts of helplessness and
hopelessness about various issues. Since five years
ago, I have vacillated through phases of abstaining
entirely and then overdoing it. One of my typical
phases lasted around 2 - 3 months. I believe that the
tendency to feel helpless and hopeless will probably
always be a part of my personality. I am pleased to
say, however, that I found heart pounding, sweat
inducing exercise helps greatly. I have decided to
research this condition until I have found the right
combination of techniques, that when applied
regularly, will help me maintain stability of mind and
feeling.
I do not feel that TV is inherently bad, but I quiver
at the thought of how much of my 29 year old life has
elapsed due to a completely non-productive activity as
watching television. After much comtemplation, I feel
that each human being is meant to contribute and to
create something. Television is an opposing force to
creativity and productivity. If television is to
enhance what we are meant to do, to create and
contribute, then we must choose a show that
facilitates the process and does not hinder it. As
time goes on I will be reading social commentaries to
understand the trends in programming.
Once again, I thank you for establishing this website
that forces us to raise questions. Watching
television, as far as I can recall, has rarely
inspired me to do so.
Dec. 23, 2006
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for your stand against television. I gave my television away several years ago, and I have never been happier. I now spend every waking hour reading the finest works of literature.
There are so many wonderful, meaningful books out there, why would anyone want to waste their time watching the dumb sitcoms and other trash that exists on television.
I often think of how much more intelligent "we Americans" would be had television not been invented. The fact that Donald Trump, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton are regular features on the television set just proclaim how irrelevant television really is.
I get so sick and tired of seeing/having to listen to the stupid televison everywhere I go. It's in the bathroom at McDonald's, the checkout line at the grocery store, in restaurant's, tire store's, and even on appliances and in vehicles.
I strongly believe that television is responsible for the majority of (if not all) of the violence that exists in America.
Thank you! With kind regards, Chad E Willoughby (Midvale, Utah).
I am so happy that I am not part of the evil which is television. I am so grateful that I am not the only person who feel this way.
Dec. 15, 2007
hey i am a 17 year old high school student from Ontario,
Canada. For a business english assignment i had to create a magazine ad for
the public to advertise a social issue. I created an anti-tv ad since its a
topic i feel strong about. Once completed i really liked it and then thought
about your website. I was wondering if your could post it somewhere on your
site.
Sincerely Joe Adams
Dec. 2, 2006
Hey Ron, I really enjoy the site and your podcast. I originally
turned off my TV in order to save time when I started a new but
stressful job. When life settled down, I tried watching TV again
only to realize that most of the programming was pretty obnoxious
(laugh tracks, commercials, Oprah) or just disturbing (high body
counts, CSI, Oprah). It got me thinking about how TV influences our
lives, our time, and how we think. Eventually, I found your
website. I think your spot on with most of your points. My question
to you is: how do you feel about the internet? Although the
internet was originally intended to help share research information
among universities, it has since acquired the same qualities as TV.
With most teenagers spending more time on the web than watching TV, I
wonder if you've considered starting a new website (ironically)
called turnoffyourinternet.com?
Andy
Nov. 30, 2006
Hello
This is a courtesy email to let you know that on my new site, www.lesstube.com, I have quoted and / or linked to your site.
The purpose of my site to is get people thinking about TV and hopefully watching less of it.
Yours,
Hugo Williams
Nov. 30, 2006
I was walking the treadmill this morning flipping channels and
becoming aware of the increase in adverts on the programs and I just
shut the TV off. Then I thought , "I bet someone has already come up
with this, but we need a web site 'www.turnoffyourtv.com'........"
Thank you for doing it !
Rod
Nov. 27, 2006
Thanks for the great site. I love it.
Mark
Nov. 17, 2006
I just came across your site looking for when the government will
switch over to HD signals. I couldn't help but to be reminded of all
the things people used to say when TV first came out. Sure HDTV's are
expensive now but when the standard TV's first came out, so were
they. Now it's uncommon for a household to have just 1 TV. Since
your a music lover did you complain when music switch from vinyl then
to tape and then to CD's? And did you get rid of your CRT computer
monitor for an LCD one? And if so why? HDTV is just another step in
technology. I actually spend more time on my computers than I do
watching TV. But sometimes I like to sit down and watch the
Discovery channel. The internet today is what TV used to be. Despite
what you say, not everyone has access to the internet. You can go out
and buy a new TV and watch local stations for free. You can't go and
buy a new computer and get access to the internet for free.
Nov. 16, 2006
T.V. IS THE BEST THING IN THIS WORLD...........YOU....NEED TO GET A LIFE!
Nov. 14, 2006
Here it is...
http://one.revver.com/watch/96911/format/flv/affiliate/38166
Crazy!
Nov. 13, 2006
I got SO frustrated a moment ago trying to find ANYTHING on T.V. that was even REMOTELY interesting, that I typed "TV sucks" into Google and found your website.
Reeeeealy. Television SUCKS!
infomercial.
weight loss. (Just don't spend so much money on food, stupid!)
advertisement for Wendy's.
NASCAR.
infomercial.
Opinionated, arrogant, annoying, obnoxious commentary-person.
People in jail.
Celebrity "news".
infomercial.
ad for deodorant.
right-wing "news".
Supposedly-funny show where the only people laughing are in the laugh track.
people getting kllled (for real).
ad for "bathroom tissue".
infomercial.
exercise machine.
people getting kllled (fiction).
ad for beer.
football.
people getting killed (fiction).
sports "news".
Supposedly-funny show where the only people laughing are in the laugh track.
Opinionated, arrogant, annoying, obnoxious commentary-person.
ad for investment services (either you have them already, or aren't in any position
to need them!)
People getting caught to go to jail.
ad for Wal-Mart.
infomercial.
Weight-loss pills.
Supposedly-funny show where the only people laughing are in the laugh track.
News about people getting killed.
People being investigated for killing people (fiction).
People who killed many people (fact).
Prime-time soap-opera.
news about people who got killed today.
Entertainment "news".
Review of people who got killed and nobody ever figured out who did it.
Ad for bathroom tissue.
Ad for beer.
Ad for fast food.
Inane pseudo-comedy.
Give money to fight diseases caused by fast food.
Ad for that child that still doesn't have any shoes even though they've been
guilt-tripping people for ten years (she's probably in college by now).
Re-run from the 1970's that actually was funny, at the time.
Ad for fast food.
Ad to lose weight.
Give to cancer. (WHY? Don't we want to give to FIGHT cancer?)
Infomercial.
Ad for bathroom tissue.
Biased commentary.
World War II.
Tragic melodrama.
People getting killed (drama).
People to be envious of.
People getting caught for having killed someone (drama).
People getting investigated for having killed many people (fiction).
Aliens.
Infomercial.
Ad for poisons for your lawn.
News about somebody who fucked up a lame joke.
Commentary about somebody who fucked up a lame joke.
Opinions about somebody who fucked up a lame joke.
Commentary about opinions about somebody who fucked up a lame joke.
Opinions about commentary about opinions about somebody who fucked up a lame
joke.
And meanwhile the world is swirling around the drainhole of global war and global warming, and nobody seems to give a shit.
Television SUCKS!
-- Glenn
Nov. 8, 2006
Have you heard of the song "Spanish Pipedream" by John Prine? Its also known as "Blow up your TV". You guys should check it out.
http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/john_prine/spanish_pipedream_blow_up_your_tv.html
The rest of the song paints a pretty nice image of life "as it should be". This should be you guys themesong or something.
Raymond Garrison
Nov. 8, 2006
Hi Ron,
I know I work for your nemesis but please hear me out. I, myself, believe the less people watch television, the better the quality of the lives would be. But everyone needs to make a living. And this is why I'm writing to you. I'm working for a new TV show about how TV influences reality.
I'm working on two specific episodes right now - One on the detrimental effects of TV on romance and dating, the other on how TV instills greed into people and makes them Machiavellian in their quest for affluence. We are looking for people to discuss both topics including their own personal experiences with such phenomena and I came across your article 'Lessons From The Love Cruise: The "Reality" of Reality Television' and found it both insightful and enlightening.
Would you be interested in being a guest for our show? You can use the medium against itself. As good as your website is, it may well be preaching to the converted. Our show will allow you to peel the coach potato where they sit.
Cheers,
Michael
Oct. 31, 2006
Hello,
I just wanted to write you a quick note expressing my gratitude for your anti-tv
activism. I am,
as a conservative, also very shocked by the wasteland that television has become.
In fact, I
believe most conservatives are sickened by it. However, I am really disappointed
at how much
liberalism and anti-Bush material is on your site. You, of course, are welcome
to your views, but
I really wish I could send my friends and family to be educated by your site
without all of the
vile and hostile anti-Republican material. They'll label it a "nut"
site and nothing will be
learned. If it serves a point, I can understand, but they seem to be drive-by-insults
"stuffy
Republicans..." It doesn't really help the cause. Believe it or not, most
media is controlled by
liberals, CNN, ABC, CBS, most newspapers. I feel that if this issue is made
political, it will get
ignored by the public and it will be for not. Would you feel better only reaching
50% of the
public (liberals) or would you feel better reaching them all? Thanks for your
time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristopher
Oct. 16, 2006
Hi there,
My wife and I have decide to cancel our cable subscribtion and turn off our
TV. The 3 main reasons for this are - first, to save 50 bucks a month that can
be better spent in other areas, secondly, because we are expecting a baby in
March and don't want the negative influences of TV as a big part of child's
upbringing, and thirdly because we want to spend more time doing activities
together and communicating rather than sitting hypnotized on the couch.
Our cable is being cut off in the next couple of days, and as two people who
have been raised on TV for 28 and 25 years respectively I expect that this
will be a huge adjustment for us. I might still have to sneak out to the pub
on occassion, or over to a buddy's house, just to be able to watch sports!
I have read some of the content on your website, and I'm working my way
through the rest. So far it's been very eye opening and helpful. Thank you!
James Bedford
Edmonton, Alberta
Oct. 9, 2006
I typed your domain in my browser after some limited thinking on what
is a great ill in modern society...
and for obvious reasons concluded TV was a great place to start.
There's a lot of great data on your site/podcast but if I can comment
here I think I'd like to see the benefits
of NOT watching TV.
Focusing on family, community and as a nation as well.
The data you provide is good for people that want to take this on as
a cause...to provide leadership.
But your average guy working 40-unlimited hours a week, dealing with
family matters and just daily living is
barraged with the data on your site.
Keep the data you've collected...it's very useful for study but add
some things that an average guy will benefit
from doing other things than watching TV with his family. Simple
stuff...
I guess it all depends on what your objective is and who your target
audience is.
I don't want to knock your site because I think on the whole it's great.
I'm just on a kick now that sociological change is not just
whistleblowing but skillful strategy and media manipulation...
Oh...and if your merchandise is to fund the cost of your website, you
might want to mention it...credibility thing.
( ed. note: the merchandise does not fund my website - not even close)
Sept. 29, 2006
Hello Ron.
Found your site by accident. Not had chance to read all the comments and
articles yet but will do so asap. A comment about the BBC here in
England. For our licence fee of the equivalent of a few US cents daily,
we get 5 BBC tv channels, 5 national radio stations and local radio
stations in every town and city. All programmes have subtitles for
hard-of-hearing and on some programmes we have signing. The propaganda
here is that the licence fee is a "tax", but listening and viewing
figures show the popularity of public service broadcasting. Another
thing which is not publicised is that ALL goods which are advertised are
paid for by the consumer (and this applies to the US as well).
Advertising doesn't come out of profits, it comes from a "tax" we
are
forced to pay when we buy our goods in the shops.So our British "free"
commercial broadcasting costs about 2.5 billion English pounds. At
the present time commercial television is in a mess because the
directors have been issuing dividends instead of spending on programme
content.
Best wishes
Mike Mitchell.
East Sussex
UK
Sept. 19, 2006
Good advice but have not had one for 20 years.
Better passing time with Information Clearinghous.
Keeps the brain active. (Your link source.)
Comment. People fill the interstate between Colorado Springs and Denver all
day long and all go 80 mph. Yet, your statistics are correct; they will spend
2-3 hours wasting in front of a TV on any day. It is a trap they don't understand.
Ken Ashley
Professor Emeritus
Sept. 1, 2006
Hello,
I've been giving lectures against TV since 1972. Since 1979, after having read Mander's first book, I started using the semi-hypnotic state of the viewer as the basis for my arguments.
BTW, do you have an estimate of how many people watch TV regularly? As there are approximately 1 billion TV sets installed, I presume this number should be around 3 billion people -- half the whole of humanity. This means that TV is the biggest tragedy that happened to humanity.
Congratulations,
Val.
Aug 10, 2006
Subject: Great site, thanks!
Thank you for advocating against watching television. My wife and I have
not had a television in our house for 10 years. Our kids who are 5, 7,
and 9 have grown up completely without television in their home. While
all of their friends have TVs, I don't think they have ever watched a
complete television show and have seen less than a dozen movies between
them. If stuck in the house on a rainy day, they will spend hours
creating all sorts of games and performances. They almost never say they
are bored.
Thanks again!
-Sam
