About people who do not watch TV or read comics.

About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (Full Version)

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SpanishMatMaster -> About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 12:55:09 AM)
Some forms of communication have a worse reputation as others, I guess. Nobody would ever say "I do not watch pictures" or "I do not hear music". People can be more or less music fans, but nobody just does not hear music at all. Between other things, because it is unavoidable. Music is around us. But so are comics and television, if you think about it: instructions on how to abandon a plane, which can be found in many planes; televisions placed in public places. I understad, however, that what people mean is "I do not intentionally buy and consume comics" for example. Is there, out there, someone who intentionally does not buy or consume music? Maybe a few, but they are very few, very very few. Comics and television, by the other way, seem "elegant" to ignore. I consider this somehow snob, and somehow a product of ignorance. Guys, some of the best movies of this century are adaptations of comics! And the comics were even better! You can read comics to learn hardcore history, about tendencies of the future in the media ("Understanding Comics"), interesting lives ("Persepolis"), ancient legends ("300"), the recent past ("Maus", "Gorazde") or the current political reality ("Palestina"). I won't even come to the multiple high-quality TV series which can now be bought as a bunch per DVD and simply seen when you have time for them. So... if you "do not read comics" or "do not watch television", are you at least aware, that you are missing the chance to enjoy masterpieces of art and education? That you are really missing something just because you reject a certain format? Would be my question.

SlightlyScared -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 2:01:26 AM)
Hi, I saw a youtube video the other day that addresses why some people don't read comic books.* He says they're too hard to get to the start of, there are too many different continuities and crossovers for which the storyline is either completely irrelevant or it requires the backstory of the other comic to make it make sense. Personally, I read Buffy Comics and standalones, mostly because they run straight on from the TV series and stick to the one storyline. You can follow the spin offs if you like but its not compulsory as any crossover has a little recap section before. As for TV, I watch what I like after its happened on the internet (on catchup sites like iplayer) unless its Dr Who, then I like to watch it on the telly as it comes out. People who "do not watch TV" probably have some reason for it, whether it be pretentious or practical. The pretentious ones I can't speak for but as someone who has spent some time not watching TV for practical reasons, yes, I'm aware I'm missing the chance for great art but, well, the best art shows are released on the internet now. The overheads are lower. People who "do not read comics" because they're too nerdy probably don't know they're missing out, people who don't because they're not nerdy enough (see video) do know they're missing out, the same for those who can't afford it. *here's the link or for the people who don't click links its called "Wot's Vlog! Too Geeky for Comic Books!" for you to youtube search.

muhly22222 -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 4:52:07 AM)
FR I think a lot of people separate comics and graphic novels. The idea behind them is similar (telling a story using pictures and speech bubbles, essentially), but graphic novels tend to be longer and have more depth to them than the good guy fighting the bad guy dynamic that is the entirety of most comics. Also, if you think you learn ancient history from 300...no. In the broadest strokes, sure. But 300 doesn't even attempt to portray what actually happened at Thermopylae (not that I'm complaining...I enjoy the movie).

AthenaSurrenders -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 4:52:24 AM)
I don't read comics, and I watch some television but not much. It's not a snobbery thing, more of a 'not to my taste' thing. There are a handful of TV shows I really like. I get the DVDs and re-watch them every year or so. So it's not that I think not watching TV is somehow better. But a large chunk of the programming just does not appeal to me at all. I'm lucky enough to have books and a computer and a garden and other things which mean I can make the choice to entertain myself in other ways so I don't watch tv for the sake of it. I occasionally will try out shows that are recommended (had a thread looking for ideas recently) but rarely get into any of them. As for comics - I'd say they are pretty easy to avoid. I wouldn't count an instruction manual with pictures to be a comic. Again, they're just not to my taste. Even if the story is good, I find the pictures distracting - I'd rather imagine the stuff myself, and I find my eyes wandering all over the page instead of reading it in order. I lose interest quickly. The things SlightlyScared mentioned about overlapping plot lines and backstories is also a factor. And the subject matter is rarely of interest to me anyway, superheroes, monsters etc are aimed more at men. Plus - without meaning to side track this into a feminist debate - a LOT of comics feature female characters who are not at all flattering to women, they use stereotypes and focus largely on exaggerated sexual appeal. It's off-putting to me, since an 'evil' woman with her boobs spilling out of her lycra isn't exciting to me.

kalikshama -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 5:15:34 AM)
I have a TV and DVD player but do not have cable service; I don't watch television. I do watch a few shows online and get some TV series on DVD from the library. I read the Tintin comics as a kid. I prefer books and am a voracious reader.

Missokyst -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 6:58:23 AM)
lol funny how I found this post just after I put my comics in order.

lizi -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 7:07:05 AM)
I do not watch tv, I do not read comics. I find neither of them interesting, but am glad there are people out there who do.

freedomdwarf1 -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 7:42:34 AM)
The only TV I watch is Formula 1 racing and the BBC News 24 when in bed, nothing else. Other than that, the TV is turned OFF. I don't watch DVD's. I don't read comics, books, magazines or snoozepapers either. I don't play games.... well, I might try one once a year or so for 5 minutes. I don't listen to music - any music. I don't listen to the radio. My car is 3 years old and never had a radio station tuned in. I don't have a HiFi or MP3 player or smart phone of any description. I complain very loudly if I can hear music, TV, radio or anything else - I love silence. If I see a CD, DVD or a book laying around - I throw it across the room in temper. I can't stand the sight of them. The Mrs is a history buff and I can't stand the subject at all. I absolutely hate it. I don't/won't tolerate any of the daytime TV or any of the soaps of any description. Yep..... I'm a boring old fart [:D]

JagNoir -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 7:50:39 AM)
I suppose according to your post I am an ignorant snob. I grew up in a country that did not have TV at the time. I never really enjoyed sitting down to watch TV. I now do not own a TV and I am perfectly happy in my ignorant snobby bliss. As to comics, as a child RinTinTin was a fave, in my early 20's Sandman and Crow were favorites but now comics or graphic novels are not something of interest to me. I know some movies I have liked have been based on comics and some entertainment on Netflix I enjoy are TV shows but fewer and farer between then the average person. Just not my thing. So to answer your question, yes I am aware that perhaps I am missing something in not delving into these kinds of entertainment. I personally choose other avenues that excite me more then comics or TV. I certainly know I would not judge those that do not partake of the kinds of entertainment I enjoy. There is something to be said about the differences in people, it would be damned boring if we all liked the same things.

MasterCaneman -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 8:11:11 AM)
I don't watch much TV, because I can't stand commercials and frankly, very little that's on interests me. If it sounds interesting, I can wait until the DVD comes out. I get the Sunday paper, mainly for the comics and special features. I won't repeat what others have said about the comic/graphic novel distinction. I was never a big fan of either. About the only time I was remotely interested in comics was when I was a teen and discovered the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers. Still have the collection, but they're slowly turning to dust somewhere in a box here.

LafayetteLady -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:12:00 AM)
First I think the language barrier has you a bit confused. There is a difference between "I don't listen to music," and "I don't hear music." After all, unless you are deaf, you will hear music in nearly any store you go into and many elevators. What you are trying to convey is people who don't actively listen to music. I watch a lot of television. I'm somewhat of a homebound person, so television is a major form of entertainment for me. I have no issues with people who say they don't watch because they simply don't find anything that interests them on television, although since most cable/satellite provides hundreds of channels including many that show documentary type material, I find it difficult to believe they couldn't find anything of interest. Of course, there is also the news on television. I do have a bit of an issue with the "snobs" who seem to need to prop themselves up by saying everything is crap on television. I don't read comics or graphic novels. I never did. I never really watched many cartoons either, even as a child. They don't interest me. Then again, I'm not going to read a non-fiction historical book on the Ming Dynasty either since it doesn't interest me. I would, however, encourage a child to read comics/graphic novels because reading is reading.

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:20:27 AM)
To everybody - [sm=thanks.gif] Many answers and a lot to read. Interesting! quote: ORIGINAL: SlightlyScared Hi, I saw a youtube video the other day that addresses why some people don't read comic books.* He says they're too hard to get to the start of, there are too many different continuities and crossovers for which the storyline is either completely irrelevant or it requires the backstory of the other comic to make it make sense. Personally, I read Buffy Comics and standalones, mostly because they run straight on from the TV series and stick to the one storyline. You can follow the spin offs if you like but its not compulsory as any crossover has a little recap section before. As for TV, I watch what I like after its happened on the internet (on catchup sites like iplayer) unless its Dr Who, then I like to watch it on the telly as it comes out. People who "do not watch TV" probably have some reason for it, whether it be pretentious or practical. The pretentious ones I can't speak for but as someone who has spent some time not watching TV for practical reasons, yes, I'm aware I'm missing the chance for great art but, well, the best art shows are released on the internet now. The overheads are lower. People who "do not read comics" because they're too nerdy probably don't know they're missing out, people who don't because they're not nerdy enough (see video) do know they're missing out, the same for those who can't afford it. *here's the link or for the people who don't click links its called "Wot's Vlog! Too Geeky for Comic Books!" for you to youtube search. Thanks for the answer. I am a bit surprised by your reference on spin-offs and crossovers. The comics I mentioned in my post are not fiction at all, and they do not have any spin-offs or cross-overs. There are many like that. Even long series as "American Splendor" (I recommend "My cancer years", and yes, it is non-fiction as well, it is about his cancer years) have no spin-offs that I know of. Maybe you are right and the best TV shows are now in the internet, I do not know... do you have there some of: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Wire, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones? To put some examples. Best regards.

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:25:57 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: muhly22222 FR I think a lot of people separate comics and graphic novels. The idea behind them is similar (telling a story using pictures and speech bubbles, essentially), but graphic novels tend to be longer and have more depth to them than the good guy fighting the bad guy dynamic that is the entirety of most comics. Also, if you think you learn ancient history from 300...no. In the broadest strokes, sure. But 300 doesn't even attempt to portray what actually happened at Thermopylae (not that I'm complaining...I enjoy the movie). Hello! Well, about words, I use the term in the sense of Scott McCloud and Will Eisner, which is IMHO the current standard. According to this definition, graphic novels are comics. I am again surprised about your vision of what "most comics" have, and I tend to go to my reason of "ignorance". I am sorry, I do not want to attack you, but let us make a test... have you read any of the comics I mentioned in my first posting? Between them are 2 Pulizer winners, so I think they are a good probe of "relevant comics". About 300, please realise that I wrote "ancient legends". History I mentioned recent past: Maus or Gorazde, for example, and if you find there historical errors i would like to know. Or in Persepolis. Or in Palestina. Or in "Walz with Bashir" (Sabra & Chatila massacre). Best regards!

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:32:45 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: AthenaSurrenders I don't read comics, and I watch some television but not much. It's not a snobbery thing, more of a 'not to my taste' thing. There are a handful of TV shows I really like. I get the DVDs and re-watch them every year or so. So it's not that I think not watching TV is somehow better. But a large chunk of the programming just does not appeal to me at all. I'm lucky enough to have books and a computer and a garden and other things which mean I can make the choice to entertain myself in other ways so I don't watch tv for the sake of it. I occasionally will try out shows that are recommended (had a thread looking for ideas recently) but rarely get into any of them. As for comics - I'd say they are pretty easy to avoid. I wouldn't count an instruction manual with pictures to be a comic. Again, they're just not to my taste. Even if the story is good, I find the pictures distracting - I'd rather imagine the stuff myself, and I find my eyes wandering all over the page instead of reading it in order. I lose interest quickly. The things SlightlyScared mentioned about overlapping plot lines and backstories is also a factor. And the subject matter is rarely of interest to me anyway, superheroes, monsters etc are aimed more at men. Plus - without meaning to side track this into a feminist debate - a LOT of comics feature female characters who are not at all flattering to women, they use stereotypes and focus largely on exaggerated sexual appeal. It's off-putting to me, since an 'evil' woman with her boobs spilling out of her lycra isn't exciting to me. Hello, Athena. Thank you for your answer. On TV, you do not really avoid it in the sense that you do use the device to see things made for that device. Just not "life" in the life program, but this is something which I consider pretty normal. Let us face it: As 99% of the music produce is... not for our taste, 99% of the TV produced is ... again, not our taste. Seeing something running in the TV which is good for you, is as rare as taking a music DVD with blind eyes in a huge shop and find something you actually enjoy. On comics, besides the name thing (I am using the definition of McCloud and Eisner, so I do think that the instructions are comics), I am again surprised of the image you have of them. None of the comics mentioned in the OP have any of those you mentioned (besides heroes in 300 because, well, the Ancient Greek legend is an epic legend). Persepolis is the story of a woman my age, told by herself, and I would even dare to say that it does have some reference to feminism and the gender societal problems, from the repression of feminity in Iran to the writings of Simone de Beauvoir). Again I want to make the test - have you read any of the comics mentioned in my OP? If not I got the impression that you do not read them simply because you do not know them. It is like you entered once in a music shop, bought three random DVD, one was avantgardist deconstructivist music from the 20's , another a bad record of Tahnhäuser of Wagner and another from Willy Vanilly, and then you decided that... music is not for you. Best regards.

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:33:59 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kalikshama I have a TV and DVD player but do not have cable service; I don't watch television. I do watch a few shows online and get some TV series on DVD from the library. I read the Tintin comics as a kid. I prefer books and am a voracious reader. Thank you for your answer. However, I still wonder... do you realise that you are missing some of the most important works of art of this century and the past one? If you are, and you are ok with that, then ok. No more questions your highness :).

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:45:44 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Missokyst lol funny how I found this post just after I put my comics in order. Hey, tell us your favorites! Please. quote: ORIGINAL: Missokyst I do not watch tv, I do not read comics. I find neither of them interesting, but am glad there are people out there who do. Thank you. Can you still tell me, do you realise that you are missing masterpieces of art because you reject a specific media? Just asking. quote: ORIGINAL: freedomdwarf1 Yep..... I'm a boring old fart I guess this is a "yes, I realise that i am missing masterpieces of art and I just don't care". So, thanks for your answer, no more questions your highness :) . quote: ORIGINAL: JagNoir I would not qualify you, I did not do it in the OP either. Thank you for your answer, no more questions, i am glad that you at least consider the possibility that you are missing something. If you ever change your opinion, the samples I wrote could be a good beginning :) quote: ORIGINAL: MasterCaneman On TV, if you want TV shows in the TV device, IMHO you watch TV. That you do not enjoy the shows running in a certain moment is normal for me. On the graphic novel / comic, I use the definition of Eisner & McCloud, so they are. On the FFFB, they were really really funny, but my question remains... do you realise that you are missing masterpieces of art? Just asking, no attack intended.

theshytype -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:55:23 AM)
I love music. Music has the ability to alter my mood, for better or worse, and I could not imagine life without it. I enjoy television. I don't watch too much of it, mostly due to time constraints and the inability to stay focused. But, when I have down time, I like watching tv because it requires little to no thinking and is much like a mini brain vacation. I do not read comics. Not because of snobbery, I do find them interesting and artistic. When I read, I enjoy the imagery created in my mind by the authors words. It's a way for me to use my own imagination when sometimes life does not otherwise allow it. Each one allows me to break free, even if just a moment, and in their own way.

sexyred1 -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 9:58:10 AM)
I laugh when people say there is nothing good on TV. There are excellent shows on the cable channels HBO, SHO, Starz, F/X, A&E, AMC, and yes, even network. Sample: Game of Thrones The Borgias Mad Men Sons of Anarchy The Americans The Killing True Blood Dexter The Following Hannibal Spartacus (just ended) And then there are just the fun happy shows like The Voice.

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 10:02:35 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: theshytype I love music. Music has the ability to alter my mood, for better or worse, and I could not imagine life without it. I enjoy television. I don't watch too much of it, mostly due to time constraints and the inability to stay focused. But, when I have down time, I like watching tv because it requires little to no thinking and is much like a mini brain vacation. I do not read comics. Not because of snobbery, I do find them interesting and artistic. When I read, I enjoy the imagery created in my mind by the authors words. It's a way for me to use my own imagination when sometimes life does not otherwise allow it. Each one allows me to break free, even if just a moment, and in their own way. Hello! Thank you for your answer. So... TV is for your a mini brain vacation? This includes complex / deep shows, or you just avoid them And TV and books cannot alter your mood? I find your separation a bit, well, i do not know if you mean it seriously. Seems a bit simplistic for me. And therefore it lets the question about comics actually open. You could as well say "I read a lot of comics because they have the best of paintings and books". I mean that your reasons, the reasons you state, somehow do not actually explain why you do not read comics. Best regards.

SpanishMatMaster -> RE: About people who do not watch TV or read comics. (5/10/2013 10:03:43 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: sexyred1 I laugh when people say there is nothing good on TV. There are excellent shows on the cable channels HBO, SHO, Starz, F/X, A&E, AMC, and yes, even network. Sample: Game of Thrones The Borgias Mad Men Sons of Anarchy The Americans The Killing True Blood Dexter The Following Hannibal Spartacus (just ended) And then there are just the fun happy shows like The Voice. Agreed, some of the shows you mentioned are for me masterpieces. Others are just "very good". Few I did not like or do not know. Let me add Rome, Breaking Bad, The Wire, The Sopranos and Real Humans. Now... about comics...? :)

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