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by Sheila
Lennon
'Bottom-up' journalism from the pros
May 29, 2002
• Today's weblog
ReplayTV users
get to deny imaginary contract: There's
a letter to sign at the EFF, to be sent electronically to the man who calls
it stealing if you go to the bathroom or get a sandwich during commercials:
CEO Jamie Kellner
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
One CNN Center
P.O. Box 105366
Atlanta, Georgia 30348
Dear Mr. Kellner,
I am writing
in regard to your comments during an interview with Staci D. Kramer that appeared
in the April 29, 2002, issue of Cableworld magazine. Specifically, I take
issue with your assertion that I have entered into some kind of "contract"
with the television stations I view in my home. I find your idea that I break
this contract by "going to the bathroom" during, or otherwise not
viewing, your commercial advertisements utterly preposterous. The arrogance
and deep misunderstanding evident in this statement is troubling. Unfortunately,
I believe you have conflated your business model with a legal agreement. That
model was developed before the personal video recorder (PVR) and fast-forward
button (though not before the bathroom break). However, your current concern
regarding the realization of revenue with this model does not compel me to
forego legally available technology or chain me to the television via some
imaginary contractual obligation. Let me remind you that I am not in your
movie theater; you are a guest in my living room. I never signed a contract
with Turner Broadcasting or any of the other networks that send programming
over the public airwaves. Until I do, I will choose whether or not to watch
commercials in any way I see fit.
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