Why are we paying for commercials?

[JB848]

WTF Youtube is pulling this crap now, we get it at the movies, cable TV F@CK commercials! I am more less likely to buy thier BS if I see it on something I pay for. Free enterprise does not mean whore yourself out!

[gearman]

I think the advertisers pay the bulk of the cost for producing tv programming. Your cable/satellite bill would be much higher without them. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, get an antenna and hd tv will be free. The www is just another version of tv.

[bill14224]

We're not supposed to pay for commercials.  In order to pay for programming, we're supposed to watch commercials, buy the DVD outright, or pay a subscription fee.  Where we're getting ripped-off is cable, satellite, and DVD's that include commercials.  We're paying twice, and it's wrong.  40 years ago they sold us cable telling us "you subscribe so there are no commercials!"  For several years that was true, then a few commercials crept in.  Then more, then more.

Would it be more expensive without the commercials?  Perhaps, or we could accept fewer channels and show budgets could be lower.  Do we really need a channel for every aspect of life?  We'd get fewer explosions and actors would make less.  A couple generations ago not many stars made really big money like today.  Perhaps we could relive those days to some extent by telling the cable and satellite companies where to go when they want to charge you $100 or more per month to watch TV.  The people haven't reached their breaking point yet because they're addicted to the boob tube.

[gearman]

The people haven't reached their breaking point yet because they're addicted to the boob tube.

...and the internet, and to some extent the cell phone. If you would have told me 20 years ago that I would be paying $250+ per month for tv/internet/telephone services, I would have called you crazy!

[JB848]

I don't know about you guys but when I watch TV anymore

1. I record, Tivo what ever you call it the shows I want to watch and start watching them 15 minutes or so after they start.

2. I delete, cancel any internet comerical and if I can't I leave it and block it!

3. While watching a DVD rental or purchase FFWD through all bullsh1t until the main feature comes on.

4. Never finish or completely watch any professional sporting event. F4King comercial every wreck, injury, score, you name it I am sick of it!

Does that mean I am officially old and a curmudgeon or is there something wrong with me...BTW that was rhetorical