Cutting the Cord: Why I got rid of Cable

We'd been talking about it for over a year. Getting rid of the Beast: Cable. I'd read all the articles and blogs about how much money people saved, what they subscribed to instead, how they got digital antennas and still got all their local channels. But it's scary, unfamiliar territory.

Like many of you out there, I felt trapped. The Demon (AKA Comcast) constantly raising our prices, while cutting the channels we received. And they never cut the channels we don't watch. No. It must always be something we love.

First they took ScyFy and TNT. Then they took Travel, TLC, and Cartoon Network.

Whenever we would call to report a problem or downgrade our service (because I'm sorry, I only have one soul, and you cannot have it!) we were met with the same listless bullshit.

"Would you like to upgrade to triple play?"
"No, I want to downgrade, I can't afford our current package."

"Do you watch sports?"
"No, I hate sports."
"Do you have a home phone?"
"No, I have a cell phone."
"We've determined the best package for you is our Triple Play with home phone! If you sign up today, not only is installation free, you'll get every NFL sports channel just in time for football season!"
"Um... did you even listen to me?"


It is depressing, we all know it. Finally my husband and I were so fed up with our bill continuing to escalate for the same mediocre service. I didn't even want to look at the remote, let alone turn on the cable box. This August I went the entire month without watching cable. I just watched netflix. I didn't even realize it until September came around.

That was when I made my mind up. 
My husband called that week (because despite our being married, I cannot call them, because I have no power there) and canceled the cable. We kept our same internet (although that router is next to go!) and haven't looked back.

And honestly, it's true what they say. You don't miss it. We didn't get all the crazy subscriptions, or digital antenna. We just kept our Netflix. And I love it. No commercials, no flipping through channels, no "I can't find anything to watch". Freedom.

 In fact, I haven't felt this free since I was a kid and we only had 6 channels (two of them only on clear days).

I find myself doing more. More crafting, more reading, more writing. All of the things I couldn't find time for before. It's a liberating transformation.

So do it, cut the cord. Take the chance and don't let them bully you. Take back your money, take back control of what you watch, but most of all—TAKE BACK YOUR TIME!