Once upon a time, my DVR (digital video recorder) was important to me. My DVR recorded things and let me watch them when I wanted, without commercials. Total bliss. Then time passed and my DVR lost its luster. My life changed (a divorce), tv became less appealing and my kids outgrew the PBS kiddie shows.
So in May of 2008 I pulled the plug on DirectTV and tv altogether, since we can’t get broadcast tv.
My original thought was that we might go tv-free for the summer. But then summer sailed by and we just kept pluggin’ along tv-free.
Now sixteen months later, I ceremoniously removed the DVR box from my closet and put it on freecycle.org. I got four enthusiastic responses in five minutes, so my DVR is going to a good home.
What I find interesting about this experience is how tastes change. I once watched an hour of TV everyday. What I once thought was indispensible is now dispensable.
What will be next?
Now I spend an hour a day on my Kindle. I read books, magazines and blogs (although most of my favorite blogs are not on the Kindle). And it seems indispensible. At least at this moment in my life. But what about five years from now? Will I be putting my Kindle on freecycle?
How about you? Have you reconsidered what you once thought was indispensible?
Thinking of pulling the plug? Check out Life after cable: Broadcast TV alternatives for alternatives to paid television programming.
