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Kill Your TV

I did it. I called my cable company and canceled my subscription. I sat looking at my bill for a couple of minutes before I made the call wondering whether I should or not. In a way it's like cutting myself off from the world - except the world I was experiencing was reality TV and sitcoms. I think I'll spend a little more time in my own reality. I'll have to find new ways to get my news - NPR, the newspaper - but I'm sure I'll be ok. Anyway, it's better not to hear all the negative anyway.

I almost balked again when I finally got to a human customer service rep. My conversation with "Wendy" went as follows.

Me: I'd like to turn off my cable.

Wendy: (Surprised) Are you sure? What about the News? You want the local News don't you?

Me: No, that's OK.

Wendy: But why? Are you switching providers?

Me: No. I just don't need it anymore.

Wendy: It's only $17 a month. (Wendy sounded like she was panicking at this point) Would it help if I threw in a month for free?

Me: No, thank you.

Wendy: (Now resigned to the inevitable) When would you like it shut off?

At the beginning of the conversation I had heart palpitations like I was going into withdrawal or something. No! Don't take away my News! Why are you doing this to yourself?! It is only $17 a month... But then as Wendy kept talking it felt more like I was leaving a cult. I broke away! I have killed my TV! Now I can give away the crappy TV/VCR combo I have been lugging around since college.

Moral of the story: Don't let Wendy convince you you need cable. But if you'd like a free month of it, call and threaten to cancel your subscription.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Here's a secret dredged up from the 50s.... TVs still do work with anetnnas, and the broadcasts are 100% FREE! Go to antennaweb.org and see what you'd be able to pick up that way...
10:56 AM
Sassy Pants said…
Thanks for the suggestion. I checked into it (if you go there you only have to type in your zipcode. Don't be conned into including your address). I can get 2 stations with one type of antenna and 3 stations with another. I have a feeling I'd have reception issues because I live right next to a power thingy. And the antenna have to be roftop. I'm in an apartment and even though I can walk out onto a rooftop, I don't think my landlord would be happy.
12:59 PM
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