Bye Bye Miss American Pie (follow up) - FREE $20 iTunes Gift Card?

I've been thinking a lot about a post I wrote a few weeks back.  In that post I was reflecting on how the predictability of entertainment (through TIVO, iPod, Sirius and other digital recording technologies) left me without many surprise moments in life.  I was questioning whether new technology was to blame or if it was the still beating heart of my lost innocence and wonder.

As a follow-up, I made a concerted effort over the past few weeks to use my AM/FM radio during my 50 minute ride to and from work.  I tried to watch regular TV and I left my iPod at home.  Again, I'm not against advancing technology.  I just miss the excitement of that special song coming on at just the right moment.

So, my test results were as follows.  

Yes, I had more than one "pleasant surprise" moment in the car and one in the garage as I allowed the (digital) radio DJ to surprise me with their choice, not mine.  No big moments, but I definitely enjoyed the songs more since I didn't know what was coming.  The power of anticipation!

I missed my iPod and especially all the great podcasts from NPR (Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Sports with Frank Deford and KCRW's Left, Right and Center).  Despite missing the unpredictable joys, at least I had planned efficiency (the knowledge that I had confirmed good content to enjoy during a long drive).  Fair trade-off? 

When I did use my iPod, I used the shuffle function.  After all, a random selection among 1,500 songs is at least somewhat of a surprise, right?

I struggled with regular TV.  Oh, how I love the ability to whisk through a commercial or slow moment in a show.  I even tried to watch the music segments during SNL.  The problem is I really don't like most of the "musicians" they choose these days.

So, what's a person to do?  Embrace today or cling tightly (and emotionally) to yesterday?   How do you balance this in your digital life?  Are you aware of any cool technologies that allow a predictable surprise?

Hey, just for fun.  The first person who reads this and dedicates a full day to no recorded content and comments back here (with substance) on their experience - I'll send you (and only you) a FREE $20 iTunes gift card. 

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Comments

[niv]

OK.
I took it upon myself to have a day without any recorder content and it was hard.
I am used to listen to my iPod on the way back from work at this time, most of the radio stations broadcast sports (and I have no interest in sports). I listened to a music station and most of the songs were ok. Then, in midst of an ongoing traffic jam I heard "The Beatles - A Day In Life" and it made my day. I love this song.

At home it was even more difficult. When you sit down to watch TV, you want to see something exciting, which is mostly prerecorded stuff from TiVo.
I had a hard time finding something to see, I mostly flipped from channel to channel without staying on one show from start to end.

In conclusion I would say that I could listen to the radio instead of my iPod but I can't live without my TV shows. I spouse if there was a shuffle function on the TV it would be somewhat surprising.

Regards,
Niv (niv_bp (at) yahoo (dot) com)

[Tim Tyrell-Smith]

Hey Niv -

Yes, I think you are right. TV is a tough one. Thanks for trying this. I'll send you an e-mail to get your mailing address. The gift card is yours!