Well, good thing I didn't buy a tv tuner

[guanin]

Can someone please explain to me what the hell is up with this tv license thing and how the hell did it became legal in the first place!? There is no way this thing would ever pass in Puerto Rico. Half the population wouldn't be able to afford it (it's 139.50, by the way). You know, this is why people steal cable. On the other hand, now that comment on Doctor Who makes sense. And why is it that every official paper in this country insists on threatening me? This TV Licensing company sent a letter to every student at the dorm and I swear it sounds exactly like the application for the student visa. The gist: if you step one toe out of line even if you're not aware that you’re doing it, you're screwed. Well, I don't have a tv or a tv tuner or a fancy phone with tv. So shove it. Just goes to prove that no matter where I go, I'm always going to be disgusted by the authorities.

ETA: Here's a site on TV License Resistance I found interesting. Most of the pages are empty, but the forums's got stuff. And another on the bullying of the TV Licensing pushers.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/midnightdream__/]

WTF, a license... for being able to watch TV? That is nuts.

[guanin.livejournal.com]

YES! It's ridiculous. TV is one of those basic, elemental FREE things. Like the radio (oh, and I saw something about a radio license as I was looking up info on this insanity). Apparently, it's to fund the BBC, as if they couldn't get other sources of revenue like everyone else.

[http://users.livejournal.com/midnightdream__/]

That is quite possibly the weirdest thing I have heard in a long time.

[guanin.livejournal.com]

It's bizarre and infuriating. I still can't believe something like this exists. And apparently it's been around since 1946. As I was googling, I found a couple of resistance websites, one with guidelines about how to boycott it and screw the system. I don't care how great the BBC is. If they want to charge people for watching, then they should become like HBO and let people watch other programming for free. Because this fee applies for watching any channel at all, even if you never touch the BBC.

[http://users.livejournal.com/midnightdream__/]

How greedy of them. I personally hate that HBO is all exclusive and shit, I'm mostly glad I don't watch anything from them because of that.

With the BBC, I do love them because a lot of my favourite shows play on it, but geezus, I had no idea they did this! I have to download everything as I'm not even in the UK so I've never gotten it.

I will totally help you with any shows you still wanted to watch! I have... my sources ;) I'll get you any links to downloads you need.

[guanin.livejournal.com]

I hate that about HBO, too, but they do have the best shows I've ever seen (The Wire, Deadwood). I actually stopped watching regular network television for a couple of years because HBO spoiled me. The difference in quality is amazing since they don't depend on advertisers who object to whatever petty things their puritan minds are offended by.

I love BBC programming, but now that I know this, be assured that I'll never watch something of theirs live. I was this close from buying a TV tuner to finally catch up on all these shows I'm missing out on, but decided against it so I wouldn't be glued to it like back home. Now I'm so glad I didn't throw away my money, because there's no way I would pay this. On top of that, teh company that collects the fees feels it has the right to go to your house, search the premises if they think you're lying about not having a TV or watching broadcasts if you have it to watch DVDs, and threatens you. They officially say they don't, but that just means that they do. The letter I got today is two pages of threats. Oh, and the fine for not paying is 1,000 pounds.

Downloads are definitely teh way to go. It's the only way I have of watching anything since I don't have a television (thank god), but now I'd do it on principle. Any links would be much appreciated, thanks! I'm afraid I haven't payed much attention to the BBC of late, so I only have a sketchy idea about what is going on.

[cyberscribbles.livejournal.com]

They can't just come in and search your house.

The letters are heavy handed and really put my hackles up as well but they never go further than that without proof. I've never known anyone to be falsely fined.

And trust me if they entered someone's house without permission it wouldn't just be the Daily Mail that had a field day.