Old and grumpy, hate adverts, but understand the need to support good content creation. “Good” been the very operative word, however where this goes wrong for me:
Bad adverts, like video pop-ups
adverts that seem to keep going unless you click skip (I’m looking at you YouTube)
Repetitive adverts across a podcast network, same thing each podcast (I’m looking at you Wondery)
The growing trend to stuff adverts into subscriptions, where I’m already paying what I believe is a reasonable price for the value I’m getting (is it time to start talking tiers of content, rather than adverts).
Barrett… we’ve noticed that you’re tired of the advertising at gas pumps. Imagine never having to see them again! Our new range of electric cars mean that you’ll never have to visit a gas station as you charge from home…
I think it’s rare that I actually go buying a specific product because I saw an ad for it. But I‘m convinced that the constant confrontation with ads will do something to our brains and will subliminally nudge us into spending „brain-time“ about consuming and buying in general.
I think there is a hidden cost for many of us. I wonder how much more creative we might be if we allowed ourselves not to be constantly distracted by images and noise. What thoughts might “pop” into our heads in moments of quiet that could turn into an article, a speech, who knows, even a book, or a project at home? Constant distraction by ads, notifications, text messages, and our inability to tolerate boredom for even short periods of time are probably robbing us of more than we may realize.
The notion of “inability to tolerate boredom” is so powerful! That’s exactly how I feel when I’m compelled to grab my tablet or phone and browse Instagram. It’s a powerful drug.
I would consider it a worse thing than the concerns about personal privacy because it affects how we drive our lives.
Or how much more creative we might be if our imaginations weren’t bombarded by messages crafted with the express intent of shaping our desires to suit someone else’s ends.
I’ve been tempted to time the amount of devoted to news content versus commercials on national news broadcasts. I just haven’t made the effort to do so but I suspect that there is a large portion of time devoted to commercials .
Which is why, other than the Super Bowl and the World Series, I never watch NFL or college football games live. I always record my games and then fast-forward through the commercials. I do the same for baseball, and I watch approximately 155 of 162 baseball games not including the spring training games that I also watch. I also attend several games per year. I guess that makes me a pretty good baseball fan.
Because so many others will mindlessly watch them, some will purchase based on the ads. I’m counting on them to keep the game going. Perhaps that makes me a freeloader, but on the other hand, I’m paying a hefty price for my streaming and cable services.
I love watching my kids’ athletic games. It keeps them in shape and teaches them both how to win and how to lose and how to be part of a team.
That said- the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins are all businesses. Most of their athletes never even lived in Pittsburgh until they were hired. None of those businesses care if my business earns a profit; why should I care if their business earns a profit by “winning” games?
As for those who say public stadium money builds the economy - why not spend the money on local public schools instead?
why should I care if their business earns a profit by “winning” games?
Without getting into the economic weeds, one can argue that the aggregate positive economic impact of pro sports supports education through generated tax revenue. In addition to that, sports can be, when played properly and kept in proper perspective, is a positive form of entertainment within a community.
I will add that as a school administrator, I see my fair share of nonprofessional sports, I assure you. Good coaches of good character can have a life transforming impact in the lives of young athletes.
