TubeNet

Can't disagree with much of Bloke's post, except to say that I don't think approx. $60 per month for basic cable plus high-speed internet (what I'm paying right now) is too excessive. That gives us the bare bones TV channels (plenty for us), and the ability to more easily share photos with family (by far our most common use of the internet that would be impeded if we didn't have high-speed access).

We also do a lot more shopping on the Internet than we used to, and I'm not sure I'd be as comfortable with those transactions with the instability of a dial-up connection.

I could save about $45 per month by going to dial-up and giving up basic cable. Definitely a possibility if I needed to, but it also isn't an unreasonable price for what I receive.

Bloke, I always have admired your frugality and attempt to emulate it where I can. But, to basically say anyone who pays $60 a month for high-speed internet is either a dumba$$ or a dorn addict ignores the potential that some may have incorporated high-speed access into their lifestyles in another useful way.

I guess the bigger question is why I felt like I needed to respond at all. Can't answer that one, really.

p.s. - I just installed and activated "flashblock." Thanks for the suggestion!

bloke wrote: Yeah, I had high-speed internet in the past...and could still have it today. $60 (or more) per month is just too damn much for that crap (unless you're hooked on internet dorn, I guess...??) ...and I'd *bet* many of you who are buying that stuff for $750 or more a year have car notes, mortgages, high credit card bills, and other financial woes. High-speed internet is a luxury for the "rich". If you *ever* hope to free yourself of debt, *that* is one of the *very first* things you should surrender. (I have no debts, but still find it to be an unnecessary luxury.)."

... Or a computer professional (like me) who needs the high speed to work from home when on call or other work related requirements. It would be essentially impossible to work from home without it. The alternative is to waste gas and time going back to work a second or third time in a 24 hour period.

Just like professional musicians professional computer people have different requirements from amateurs.

Are there any circumstances where paying for live, professional musicians is anything other than an ill-advised luxury?