On being a Nielsen

This week we're a Nielsen Family. We have 3 little booklets, one by each TV and we're supposed to record what we watch, when we watch, what station it's on, and who's watching. When the Nielsen people called it didn't seem like that big of a deal, and I hoped that by participating we would have some influence over what is shown on TV, so I said yes.



So far, I have learned two things.

Misconception # 1: It's no trouble to write down what you watch.

Reality: It isn't for me, but when you have 2 men in the house who channel surf and frequently watch two shows at the same time by flipping back and forth, well, it's pretty hard to keep track of.

Misconception # 2: I will help eliminate some of the crap that is on TV.

Reality: I am part of the problem. Should I be honest and tell them that I occasionally rot my brain with such gems as Surreal Life, Flavor of Love, and The Girls Next Door or should I skip them for a week and lie?

There are an uncountable number of channels on digital cable and there still isn't anything decent to watch. Which is probably why I watch that crap in the first place. But if they eliminate the funny crap, what then? More Mama's Family reruns? Gaaah!