Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

Like reading a good novel . . .

 

                        
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I've never understood those of you who claim you never watch television. I do understand the various reasons cited for avoiding it. "There's so much garbage/smut on television." "It's a waste of my time." "I get bored just sitting there."

First of all, if you're careful and discerning, you can sift through the garbage/smut. And this is a necessity if you have young children in the room. I also realize that commercials can be as smutty as some of the programs so it can be a challenge watching TV.

I agree it can be a waste of time without the careful and discerning viewing. If you're easily distracted and get sucked into visual stimuli, you might catch yourself allowing time to get away from you.

And if you're easily bored by sitting still or feel unproductive just watching a screen, that's ample reason to do other things.

And, let's face it, cable, satellite, Direct TV, etc., aren't cheap.

For me, good television is like reading a good novel. It's inspiring to see how writers keep series TV fresh and enticing. Right casting and good acting implore a viewer to tune in or record each new episode and anticipate its return after hiatus. Without good writing, casting, and acting, television is a waste of time.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad and raunchy TV programs on virtually every network.

Sporting events invite a lot of viewers. From football to golf, people watch their teams or individual favorites compete on TV since many events require travel or expensive tickets to attend.

I'm a fan of television and find some of it to be inspiring. Even if the majority of what's presented over the multitude of networks isn't worth my viewing time, the programs I choose to watch prove valuable to me.

 

Father, your inspiration is the most valuable of all. You've given talent and gifts to all, and it's inspiring to see the results from those who've made good use of all you've given them. Thank you for each one and may they come to know from whom their creativity originates. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.      

 

 

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4 responses to “Like reading a good novel . . .”

  1. BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ) Avatar
    BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ)

    I pretty much gave up on TV in the early 90’s. Growing up, I watched TV to excess–probably watching 40 or more hours of TV a week (what else do you do in Maryland? *-) But back then, there was a lot of good programming to choose from.
    By the early 90’s, when shows I really enjoyed like MacGyver and Simon & Simon were doing their swan song, television was being replaced by the beginnings of supposed “reality” TV, un-funny comedy, and far more sleazy fare.
    I did take a short foray into Stargate SG-1 in the 90’s owing to nothing other than Richard Dean Anderson, but the show couldn’t hold me when he faded out of it.
    Then my TV viewing dwindled to nothing for a long time–owing to lack of finances for cable and lack of time.
    Which leads me to the present and the modern Hawaii Five-0, where technology is such that I can watch on the internet and forego the cable TV bill (I’d never shell out all that money to watch one hour of TV per week).
    But TV, far, far more than movies, had a huge impact on my life. I really think that’s why in fiction it’s very hard for me NOT to think in terms of series of books. I’m used to watching and growing along with TV characters over time. I never did adapt to the concept of one shot movies much. And even with movies, my all time favorite is Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan–which derived from SERIES television. 😎
    Television had an impact on me that will last a lifetime. By the same token, I seriously doubt, owing to many factors, that TV will ever absorb much of my time again.

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  2. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I understand the expense factor and the time factor. What I’ve never understood is the criticism of such an amazing medium featuring great talent in acting and screenwriting. Yes, you have to be selective in viewing to find them, and now I would admit that lack of quality outnumbers quality, but, for me, I love what I watch or I wouldn’t watch.
    Thanks for taking the time to give your thoughts, Brenda.

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  3. BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ) Avatar
    BK Jackson (@BKJacksonAZ)

    You can rarely ever get agreement on what constitutes great writing and great talent. When one fan identifies an episode of great writing, there’ll be someone else who thinks its the worst episode of any TV show they’ve ever seen. LOL!

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  4. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I agree, Brenda. It’s exactly as you describe. Same with books. Creativity is always examined through the subjective lens, but like it or not, some of it IS better than others.

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