109 posts shown.
Taylor Roberts3 said:Since I'm pretty sure I'll be heading to court soon, I figured I should clear some things up first.
The infamous Section 34 (1):
Anyone who owns or
possesses a radio or television
receiver or any other device for
receiving radio or audiovisual
programming (hereinafter referred to
to as a receiver) within the territory
of the United States covered
by a broadcast signal is required to pay
PBS a monthly fee as established
under Section 35, subsection 2 of this
Act, unless otherwise provided
for by this Act.
Look, maybe I'm just being an idiot, but my argument in court would be that I actually own a TV. It’s an old model—doesn't have an antenna hooked up, nor do I own a digital converter box. In my book, that doesn't count as a TV receiver if it can't actually pick up a signal. Am I wrong here?
Along with the TV, I’ve got a high-end component amp with speakers and a deck, while the tuner is just sitting in the closet. Even though I don't use the tuner, I'm not tossing it; that'd tank the resale value of my hi-fi setup if I ever decided to sell it one day.
And then there's the smartphone, which technically has FM hardware built-in, but I deleted the app. I'm guessing it'd be best to mention that too, right? o_o
Also, that second part of Section 34, subsection 1 is bugging me. "any other device for receiving radio or audiovisual programming (hereinafter referred to as a receiver)." Why did they write "audiovisual" instead of just saying "radio and TV"? Does that mean if I listen to a song on YouTube, watch a short documentary, or even a comedy sketch, I've basically created my own audiovisual programming and now I owe them tax money?
Just think about it... you don't actually HAVE anything in your house. Amen.
Michelle Alvarez8 said:While you’re waiting for the collector to show up, you can totally surf the web or chat on your phone—even if some jerk is staring at you while you do it. Why? Because both the laptop and the phone are company property. 👍
Honestly, they don't stand a chance...🙂 I mean, maybe you could run into trouble, but really only if you aren't paying attention...
slycyclist342 said:My phone doesn't have a dedicated radio tuner, but I listen to the radio through it just fine... modern miracles, I guess. 🙂
As far as I'm aware, they stream the full radio programming 24/7.
And even if they didn't stream everything, it wouldn't change much.
There’s nothing in the law stating that if you can only catch half the program, you only pay half the fee—or none at all.
If you have the ability to listen, you pay.
For starters, even the internet doesn't always travel through wires anymore. 😉
Besides, the law doesn't specify that the fee applies only to devices reproducing audiovisual programs via wire, wireless signals, or whatever else... it covers everything. The law is pretty straightforward.
If they prove you own a laptop or a smartphone, I'm fairly certain you'll be stuck paying the fee.
At the end of the day... even if you try to argue the distinction, do you really think a judge has a degree in electrical engineering and will actually care about those technicalities?
Whether the laws in America are logical, moral, or fair... well, that's a different conversation entirely.
Off-topic, but look at this: some high-profile guy gets sentenced to a year in prison for damages worth millions, and then they just swap it out for community service.
One day of jail becomes two hours of work.
That's how American laws work... moral, fair, and always looking out for the little guy. 🙂
Well, if that's how we're playing it... fine. I suppose they just need to prove we actually own any of that stuff. I really wonder what kind of magic trick they'll use to pull that off. 🙂
Elizabeth Price2 said:Look, buddy, why don't YOU be the one to explain the actual difference between standard broadcast radio or TV—you know, the stuff you pick up via an antenna—and the content you stream over the internet. Go ahead, enlighten me.
I guess Slafko gave a pretty nice explanation there. You should probably read up on signals a bit more. An electromagnetic wave traveling through the air just isn't the same thing as a signal traveling through a wire. To me, that seems pretty obvious.
Taylor Roberts3 said:So look, I’ve got my PlayStation set up and an old TV. I don't have cable, digital antenna, nothing in my apartment. Why the hell am I supposed to be paying them for a subscription? I can't even play my PS5 without a TV. Basically, just by buying the console, I'm stuck handing over $27 every single month for some garbage service that my TV hasn't seen in years. This TV runs on analog signals, and those signals haven't existed in my neighborhood for ages.
You don't have to. Just cancel the TV service and call it a day...
Elizabeth Price2 said:First off, why the attitude? We're on the same side here! 😉
Secondly, the public service fee is paid because you own a device capable of accessing the internet—that’s just a straight fact. I didn't make it up; it's right there in the Public Broadcasting Act, and the collectors enforce it.
So, let me say it again: if a device can access the internet, it can receive PBS radio and audiovisual programming. Period. Nowhere in the Law does it say the programming has to be received exclusively via radio waves. Get it now?
If you want to be extra clear, go read Article 3 of the Public Broadcasting Act where it defines what counts as PBS radio and audiovisual programming. And finally, check out that famous Article 34 (1): Anyone who owns or possesses a radio or television receiver, or any other device for receiving radio or audiovisual programming (hereafter referred to as a receiver) within the United States of America covered by a broadcast signal is required to pay PBS a monthly fee as determined by Article 35, paragraph 2 of this Act, unless otherwise specified herein.
Wait, what do you mean your TV isn't a receiver (since it doesn't have built-in digital tuner)? If you don't even have an antenna, you aren't paying anything. You're totally mistaken there.
Are you really trying to equate "receiving radio and audiovisual programming" with streaming over the internet?
Man, I think you've got things mixed up... those aren't apples and oranges... they're apples and airplanes... please, just try reading with a bit more comprehension. It's really quite simple...
Quentin Tarantino
Elizabeth Price2 said:I'd just jump in here and add—technically, owning *any* device that can hop onto the internet (like a PC, a tablet, or even a smartphone, even if it doesn't have an actual FM radio built-in) falls under that whole "receiver" definition, which means you're also on the hook for the subscription.
Honestly, though? Along with all those rules, I think we should all start pulling out our cameras whenever they show up—since a camera isn't technically a "receiver"—to film the collectors. We should take a page out of the British playbook, where people used to totally mess with the BBC collectors. Seriously, once these guys see a camera pointed at them, they usually don't even bother trying to start a conversation!
Here's the link to the instructions (which I'm pretty sure is already pinned in this thread)
Yeah, I mentioned that too... and it’s not even a subscription fee—you don't exactly sign some contract with NBC like you would for Netflix. It's more of a levy. I'm not trying to get all philosophical here, but I think that distinction is actually pretty important. 🙂
Michelle Alvarez8 said:Or you could just tell him he needs to show up with a court order and two officers in tow. 😁
Yeah, that’s pretty much the only way they can legally step foot inside your house. Unless you're running a drug operation or committed some serious felony, I guess it would be a massive legal precedent if someone actually needed a court order to enter a home just to check if you have a TV license. 🙂
I just wanted to take a moment to look back at the last few months on this thread (it feels necessary to do this every once in a while) regarding some practical experiences and the legal side of things.
You have to pay the PBS fee if you own a TV or radio.
You have to pay the PBS fee if you have a radio in your car.
You have to pay the PBS fee if you own a device with a TV/radio tuner (any device capable of receiving broadcast signals).
Once we’ve cleared that up—assuming you don't actually own any of those devices—if collectors show up, try to enter your home, or send you invoices and warnings from PBS...
If you did own a device but officially canceled your subscription, whenever you get a warning or an invoice, send it back via certified mail with a return receipt. Include the proof of your cancellation (the paperwork) that you originally sent to PBS. (The process for how to cancel has already been explained several times on this thread).
How to report that you don't have a TV has also been covered here.
The sanctity of your home is guaranteed by the US Constitution.
You don't have to let anyone into your apartment or house, under any circumstances or for any reason whatsoever. You don't need to talk to them, argue with them, explain yourself, or prove anything to anyone...
Don't be scared; there aren't these "scanning" devices or signal-catching gadgets or any other nonsense they use to "prove" you have a device.
It's all nonsense.
Please, don't let anyone into your home out of fear of a fine or anything like that. If they have something to leave for you, tell them to put it in your mailbox.
And most importantly: when you've canceled your service (and sent that proof via certified mail to PBS), the bills stop coming and everything is fine. Then, suddenly, a collector shows up at your door and says something like:
"Good day, I'm here to collect the TV fee / bring you your bill / etc..."
You say: "But I canceled my service."
They say: "Alright, then can I come inside your house or apartment to check if you have a TV (any device with a TV/radio tuner)?"
You say: "No, you cannot!" 🙂
They say: "Well, then we have to keep sending you bills because you clearly have a television."
And you say: "But we don't..."
They say: "Just let me check. Here is my ID, I am a PBS collector, and when you signed that cancellation form, you agreed to inspections by PBS collectors so they could determine if you have a TV."
You say: "Of course, I agreed to that, so you are more than welcome to check!" 🙂
They say: "Okay, so can you let me in to check?"
You say: "No, I won't let you into my home. Find another way to check..."
And that's where the conversation just goes in circles... 🙂
Honestly, you could even tell them, "Look, my wife is in the living room half-naked waving a whip around. You understand why I can't let you in!"
Or, "An alien just threw up all over my apartment (and you know how messy aliens can be), so now isn't a good time."
Anyway, keep moving and give my best to PBS...
Get creative. 🙂
Anthony Palmer2 said:Hey everyone.
I want to get your take on something.
So, early this morning around 9 AM, some guy with thick glasses knocked on our door and my partner answered it.
"Good morning, I'm here regarding the television service."
She basically thought it was just someone from Xfinity coming to fix the connection that went out a few days ago—she didn't even think to just ignore him and slam the door.
He actually managed to rattle off his full name before tossing some ID card from PBS at her.
Ten seconds later, I chased him off while he was yelling all this nonsense about sending us bills and filing reports or whatever...
Anyway, we’re renting this place, and the TV subscription hasn't been paid since 2005. Now he's trying to put the bill in her name. When I asked what happens if or when I move out, he said we'd have to transfer the service to a new address within 15 days.
I asked him straight up if it's possible to just not have a TV service at all, and he said NO! 😁
Long story short, we didn't let him inside, didn't sign anything, and definitely didn't give him any SSN or personal info.
Is there any chance he can come after us with a collection agency or something?
And if they do show up, could I sue the collector personally? Since he'd have to fake a signature just to file any kind of claim, right?
Of course there's a possibility. But honestly, if you didn't let anyone in the house and there's zero proof that you even own a TV or a tuner, I guess it might all just end up being a total waste of their time.
Brian Reed74 said:Hi everyone!
I’m finally joining the conversation🙂
I’ve been reading through some great ideas here, but the issue is that most of the good stuff seems to be concentrated in New York City.
I’m trying to figure out what's available locally in Indianapolis—specifically where I can find things like balloons, bows, candles, decorative paper, glassware, or maybe a local potter or candle maker who does custom work. I'm also looking for invitations, thank-you notes, live bands, cake decorations, and basically anything else a wedding needs that hasn't crossed my mind yet.
Also, how far in advance should I be looking to rent a wedding dress? What are the typical costs, and what have your experiences been? Is it better to go custom or just rent?
Basically, any recommendations or advice would be much appreciated.😉
Coca-Cola in Indianapolis offers catering and even has a restaurant on-site. They just did some renovations recently. The photos of the venue look amazing.🙂
www.facebook.com/Sala.Classic.Osijek
It looks a little dark to me, though, but I guess you might be able to choose the lighting colors.🙂
Both Mark and Elvis are really into photography and video work 🙂
Such a great little clip!!
Rebecca Rogers5... seriously, just move on already... nobody signed any contract forcing you to stay stuck in this place.
Bitch... just go for it.. 🙂
Nicholas Moore61 said:☕
Man...
This past summer, I wanted to get married in a church that wasn't my home parish, but luckily (even though it wasn't even a requirement) I was already baptized and confirmed there. My fiancé was just baptized. When we spoke to the staff at the County Administration Office, they were incredibly accommodating. We had a real conversation, were totally upfront, and they just laid everything out for us... They gave us a checklist of "tasks" and all the paperwork we needed to handle. They didn't even care that he needed to swing by for confirmation, and they didn't grill us about whether we were living in London or staying local...
But when I went back to my own home parish... man, what a disaster (and honestly, I'm glad I didn't marry there)... This guy starts questioning me on the steps like I'm some rebellious kid who just totaled his car.... He was actually mocking me for "not having a limo" and having a small guest list... He even suggested I was probably ashamed of the church (seriously, his attitude was awful—zero warmth, zero tact), blah blah blah.... I walked out of that office with my paperwork feeling like absolute crap.
The church where I wanted to marry is basically in a different city... But... those Franciscans totally won me over, both ten years ago and again last year....
Anyway... check out the thread about wedding paperwork and the other wedding topics...
The bottom line is that you guys were looking for what you're "allowed" to do... If I were you, I'd just find a different venue, purely for the good vibes you need on your wedding day... You don't need to be rearranging guests or stressing out on the big day... And there's plenty of that too, since these girls have all sorts of crazy experiences....
Good luck...
I honestly can't believe this is actually happening... It's such a perfect example of how a person should behave... Truly sad.
Personally, what I'd want is for a different priest to officiate at that specific church... From what I understand, it's possible, but I guess it's a bit "awkward," and priests don't really love traveling to other parishes. I don't know, though; I'm meeting with my local priest today, so we'll see.
I am HONESTLY hoping I don't have another scene... because if I do, I might seriously write to the Bishop and even to Vatican City...
Jacob Jackson50 said:Michael Perez5, you were humble, contrite, and polite, and you clearly didn't appreciate what happened to you. But now, ask yourself WHY.🙂 If you chose the Church, then play by its rules and stop complaining. You're going to suffer through this until you finally come TO YOURSELF and ask again why you even bother. Life is meant to be lived freely, without restrictions, bans, or fear.
Wait, seriously? Could you please re-read what you just quoted me...
I didn't enjoy an experience where a priest—someone who is supposed to be a role model for how people should act—behaved like some total idiot off the street?
I didn't enjoy it because I was expecting to receive advice and guidance on how to deal with the things that are troubling me...
Give me a break...what rules? I wasn't even talking about rules. We never even got to that point because the priest was essentially "on the run."😢
And then someone has the nerve to ask me why I don't go to church regularly... I'm honestly asking myself why, too.😢
velvetgull9...please move this over to the weddings section...
Hmm... I’m honestly not sure how to respond to that. You might be right that I'm being a bit too idealistic about certain things. But I just don't want to feel pressured into doing something just to get what I want... I mean, it feels like if you pay enough, you don't even have to break a sweat or make a confession... and then, boom, you've got your wedding at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows. Honestly, screw that!
Why shouldn't I be able to actually have faith in priests first??
Timothy Martinez6 said:Well, the efficacy of a sacrament doesn't depend on how holy the Priest performing it happens to be.
That isn't a scientific fact; it's a matter of faith.
I believe you can still get married there (after all, the Priest doesn't own the building), but you should probably check with the local authorities to be sure...
It's honestly frustrating how many people today (not necessarily pointing at you) treat a church Wedding as nothing more than a tradition—just doing it so the neighbors won't talk—or a mere formality, without understanding that it's a sacred sacrament and what that actually implies...
Alright, thanks for the help.
velvetgull9 said:I'm telling you, at a Wedding, you'll run into plenty of people who've been through the exact same thing, so they can totally walk you through what your rights are and what you actually have to do in that situation 🤷
Aha... I don't know... I mean, you can if you want to. If you really think it would be better that way. Maybe...