Ever have one of those nightmares where you’re hanging on the ledge of a building and your grip gives out like Tony Romo in the playoffs? Most of us have. But here’s the scary part: the nightmare is very real for anyone with an ironclad cable contract. That slippery grip in your dreams, you see, is akin to the oily residue of a cable salesman’s handshake. No matter how secure you feel, you’re always one step from falling off the ledge into a trap.
Yes, there are promises of bundled goodies you’ll probably never watch, net speeds you might not actually get (and still overpay for), and landline phone services you don’t necessarily care about. And with your signature in blood, you’ve essentially offered yourself to the cable gods for tribute. Cable-sponsored ceremonial daggers will usually bleed you for about $80 a month ad infinitum. Ouch.
We at Mohu believe there are better ways to spend your money, especially since our magical HDTV antennas offer crystal-clear programming at a sterling price of $0 per month (plus no commitments — for realsies).
1) Invest in a project
I’m a semi-professional basket weaver who doubles as a dingo trainer for carnivals. I wasn’t born with these talents (only charmingly good looks, sadly) — I learned them on YouTube. There are tons of craft, DIY, how-to sites on the Web, so get your creativity on. Learn how to make a DSLR camera slider, bake delicious pierogis or pick up a new instrument.
2) Invest in a cause
With all that extra cash laying around, you have a chance to help organizations by giving money, time or other resources to something you believe in. Small donations can help nonprofits survive and flourish. For us, we believe in giving the public freedom from overzealous cable providers. As such, we’re fighting to become the Triangle’s “Favorite Cable and Internet Service Provider.” Fight the power, we say!
3) Save up for new tech
Part of being a Mohuligan entails being a technophile. We love gadgets large and small. So we go HAM when new products get announced or released — gaming systems, cell phones, accessories, you name it. If you’re saving upwards of $100 a month by ditching cable, you’ll have the cash to grab the latest toys. Who wouldn’t mind having an extra gizmo every few months?
4) Road Trip
Stop Google-Earthing and go live a little! Cutting cable could mean a few tanks of gas to the destination of your dreams, especially with winter approaching. Camping is free on national forest grounds, so grab a tent and go! Not into the outdoors? No worries, there are lots of ways to travel on the cheap — just requires a bit of extra planning. You could visit us in Raleigh, NC if you feel so inclined. Our eCommerce director will even treat you to lunch.*
*totally not guaranteed.
5) Stay in and spoil yourself
Mohu provides the best ways to watch the hottest fall TV shows. You’re already riding fancy with free HDTV, but take it to the next level with a Netflix subscription ($9/month) and your favorite sports package ($25 total for remainder of post-season). For a price much lower than what you’re already paying, you’d be watching not only the hottest TV shows, but you’ve got your movies and sports covered too. With prices like this, does cable TV really make sense?
Don’t take our word for it. Just read a few of cable TV’s rave reviews:
“Why do I keep coming back? Because I’m an idiot!!”
“Anyone who actually knows the Fraud department phone number for Comcast in Atlanta?”
Check out Consumer Affairs for more self-deprecating cable humor.
If you’re already a cord-cutter, what do you do with the money you save? If you aren’t yet free of those monthly bills, what would you like to do with those potential savings?
