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« Hi Fi
Viewing Habits
I work in fairly small bank (less than 50 employees) and it's interesting to hear the "watercooler" TV conversations. I've noticed 4 distinct viewing patterns:
Mainstreamers: These folks huddle up to talk about AI, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, etc and claim to be huge TV fans yet they've not really expanded past what the networks TELL them to watch. The mainstreamers have a "reality addict" subsect.
Tightwads:: These folks refuse to subscribe to cable or satellite service, not because they take issue with the programming but because they refuse to pay for it. Interestingly enough, my direct boss and my direct report are both tightwads. The tightwad holds his lack of TV as a trophy but has also been known to pour money into DVDs in order watch shows they could watch on cable for free!
Old fashioned: This bunch not only don't subscribe to cable or satellite, they don't watch anything except the local news, operating under the belief that it's better to out in the real world interacting with people and to have their kids playing outside rather than in front of the tube.
Freaks: The freaks tend to watch a variety of shows, some mainstream but many not. We love channels like G4 and Sci Fi. Some watch Ghost Hunters, some are addicted to Ninja Warrior, and others adore the "Sell this House" type stuff. Obviously, I fall into this category.
It's amusing when we all interact. I often give looks of horror to the old fashioned and tightwad sects because I can't imagine life without my extra channels. They look at me as though I'm either financially or socially irresponsible. The mainstreamers just think I'm a nerd. 
How do your viewing habits compare to that of your co-workers or friends?
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Jun 1, 2008 2:47 PM
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They watch what I tell 'em to. 
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Jun 1, 2008 3:21 PM
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Dictatorship?
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Jun 1, 2008 3:24 PM
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Fi - Well I am definitely a Freak. I kind of wish I was Old fashioned because I think they are right. I think too much television can rot your brain. Especially with kids who need to develop their own imagination. Still - I remain a Freak. I have some main stream shows I love and always will, but I have many cable shows out of the norm for some. I've been told by bloggers here that watching Destination Truth (one of my favorites) is too educational; watching Ghost Hunters (which I do faithfully) is scary (it isn't); or that Supernatural is evil (with which I took great exception) and too scary.
I guess I understand we all have different tastes and reasons why we love what we do. As long as I don't have to go by any one else's standards I'm okay with that.
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Jun 1, 2008 3:24 PM
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Of course.
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Jun 1, 2008 3:27 PM
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Cindy: I've got a "watch and let watch" philosophy. I do think it's funny when someone calls me a "nerd" or a "loser" for watching Sci Fi and then in the next breath tells me I'm culturally deprived for not having seen any of the "High School Musical" movies. *rolls eyes*.
John: It's good to be King, eh?
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Jun 1, 2008 3:29 PM
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I've never watched any of the High School Musical movies either and I intend to remain pure in that area!
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Jun 1, 2008 3:34 PM
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Not King, Owner.
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Jun 1, 2008 3:38 PM
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You and me both, Cindy, you and me both! I enjoy explaining to people that Jason Lee was in several movies prior to being "Earl." No one ever believes me and I get a lot of "Who's Kevin Smith?." Then I tell them Lee was a professional skate boarder. That really gets the glazed eye look.
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Jun 1, 2008 3:47 PM
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Kevin Smith?????
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Jun 1, 2008 3:52 PM
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Hi Fi, Cindy and John!
I'm mostly in the freak category, and tend to feel genuine sympathy for anyone who hasn't experienced the wonderful-ness of Farscape, Supernatural or Eureka, to name just a few that you have to wander off the beaten path to find.
I guess I understand we all have different tastes and reasons why we love what we do. As long as I don't have to go by any one else's standards I'm okay with that.
Right on, Cindy! Well stated. I'm with Fi - Watch and let watch! And have a goll dang good time doing it!
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Jun 1, 2008 3:54 PM
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Hi Fi,
I'm definitely a freak. I watch every kind of show from sitcoms to Ghost Hunters. I blog so much here because everyone I know watches nothing but reality shows, which I don't watch at all (well, except for shows like Ghost Hunters and Forensic Files).
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Jun 1, 2008 3:55 PM
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We have one of each of these categories within our house. Makes for such fun. I guess I'm a freak; I spread it around except realities and occasionally, news.
One of my former roomies never had a tv as a kid (parents thought it would corrupt). In the 2 1/2 years he lived with us, he watched tv 24/7, like he was trying to catch up. Now with wife and 2 toddlers, THEY have no tv. Their 2 year old is glued to our tv whenever they're here, watching anything or nothing.
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Jun 1, 2008 4:20 PM
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I hope Radiohead forgives me for modifying their song lyrics for my answer.
I'm a freak.
I'm a weirdo.
What the Hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here.
I don't belong here.
Although I watch a little of everything from mainstream like AI to cultish like Ghost Hunters, I'd still consider myself a freak. Especially when Spectacular Spiderman might be my favorite show that's currently airing on tv.
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Jun 1, 2008 4:32 PM
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Hey Fi,
I must be a Freak. I pretty much like anything with suspense or horror (King) or reality or cool scifi. And of course, whatever John likes (LOL).
xoxo, Aunt Hill aka Zia
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Jun 1, 2008 5:03 PM
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