TV/computers in a communist world

[LevDavidovichBronstein]

This might sound like a newbie question, but er.. I guess I am a newbie here, so here goes

The saying goes "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need", computers/TVs aren't a 'need' so would they be prevalent in a communist society and if so how common would they be?

[Ocean Seal]

This might sound like a newbie question, but er.. I guess I am a newbie here, so here goes

The saying goes "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need", computers/TVs aren't a 'need' so would they be prevalent in a communist society and if so how common would they be?
Its best not to take "need" too literally. We wouldn't want to think that we'd all have one set of clothes, food, and a roof above our heads and that would be it. Under communism we would have an abundance of things, so computers and televisions should be abundantly present.

[PhoenixAsh]

In Holland TV and computer are considered essential. They have programs for poor people to buy them and they can not be confiscated by a baillif in the case of debt collection.

I do not see how they would not be considered essential in an international world which relies on these media to exchange information and communication.

[xub3rn00dlex]

In Holland TV and computer are considered essential. They have programs for poor people to buy them and they can not be confiscated by a baillif in the case of debt collection.

I do not see how they would not be considered essential in an international world which relies on these media to exchange information and communication.

Let alone almost everything we rely on is also run by computer systems. I don't see how things would change with TVs or PCs in a communist society and today's, other than we'd own the means of producing said desirable goods, and they wouldn't be outrageously expensive, but rather different communes ( say Sony vs. LG ) would compete not to out perform pricing, but instead to out do the technological aspects. That's my understanding of it at least, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Susurrus]

They would probably be distributed equally, and if there were shortages there would probably be some sort of public computer and tv access like a library or some such thing.

[o well this is ok I guess]

However, I would think TV and the computer would be a little different than it is currently.
I doubt TV under communism would be chalked full of reality shows, and I doubt we'd have as much popups and advertisements on the internet.

[Hivemind]

"You can get this amazing (insert useless piece of shit) for seventy-seven easy payments of $19.95, that's right $19.95! But wait! If you call and order in the next twelve seconds we'll quintuple your order!"

I won't be sad to see that go.

[Susurrus]

Shows would be based off of quality rather than advertisements, no more adverts on websites or youtube! :drool: One more way in which communism is epic.

[o well this is ok I guess]

Shit man I just hope movies are done like they were in the Soviet Union

The soviet version of War and Peace was perfect in every way.

[Reznov]

Shows would be based off of quality rather than advertisements, no more adverts on websites or youtube! :drool: One more way in which communism is epic.

I think this about covers it. Yup, I am going to start using then when arguing for Communism.

:laugh: Thank you!

[Ocean Seal]

I think this about covers it. Yup, I am going to start using then when arguing for Communism.

:laugh: Thank you!
But wait. For just one easy download of ad block plus for Mozilla you too can have a communist internet free from those 1 minute long ads on youtube vevo.

[JustMovement]

if u take away reality tv your going to have a counterevolution on your hands, and im going to be leading it

[PhoenixAsh]

Quality is highly subjective. I see nothing inherrently wrong with reality shows or soaps. Nor with user based and made content on both television or computer. I think there should be more balance....but in the end I think people enjoy different things and should be able to enjoy these things.

Instead of adverts we could have product information programs.

[Zav]

Instead of adverts we could have product information programs.
Because we all LOVE infomercials. Seriously though, that probably is how new products will be made known, though they wouldn't last for a third the length of the show you're watching, nor be actually within them.

[Aspiring Humanist]

The United Nations recently deemed internet a basic human right, and back when computers were just coming out if I remember correctly it was the French government who distributed computers free of charge to its citizens

So if fascists like the UN and French government think computers are a necessity, hopefully socialists will too

[PhoenixAsh]

Because we all LOVE infomercials. Seriously though, that probably is how new products will be made known, though they wouldn't last for a third the length of the show you're watching, nor be actually within them.

I wasn't talking about infomercials but about consumer programs where products are critically evaluated and compared.

[OhYesIdid]

Let's remember that a centralized authority is the antithesis of communism. People who want to make content will make it and be rewarded by the Vox Populi* as the Vox Populi sees fit. There's actually an emerging market for this, in sites like That Guy With The Glasses or Red Letter Media, but they're really just irrelevant pop culture-related derivative stuff (with the exception of Plinkett's reviews of the Star Wars prequels, those were brilliant). Another example would be the video series on the Escapist, where many shows have come and gone based on their popularity.

*from the latin "voice of the people", not the next Bioshock's villains.

[LewisQ]

TV is a canonical example of the failings of free-market ideology. According to doctrine, we'd expect the explosion of digital and satellite broadcasters to offer unparalleled choice to viewers, as mutual competition forces broadcasters to innovate and experiment.

In fact, what we get are hundreds upon hundreds of channels offering almost identical crap, because their only concern is turning a profit by identifying the lowest common denominator amongst a minority of the population with the most disposable income, for the sake of their advertisers.

[ckaihatsu]

Shows would be based off of quality rather than advertisements, no more adverts on websites or youtube! :drool: One more way in which communism is epic.





Instead of adverts we could have product information programs.





Because we all LOVE infomercials. Seriously though, that probably is how new products will be made known, though they wouldn't last for a third the length of the show you're watching, nor be actually within them.


The *real* breakthrough would be that the mass participatory mass media would also enable mass participation over the ongoing *creation* of society, its work projects, and its industrial implements. So an advertisement or a public information program could actually be a reminder or an in-depth presentation that argues for your participation, both on the basis of civilizational politics and also as a liberated laborer.

[Susurrus]

Also known as propaganda. Not that that's a bad thing.

[ckaihatsu]

Also known as propaganda. Not that that's a bad thing.


You make it sound so _seedy_.


= )