r/cordcutters
So, people who cut the cord are basically those who have switched to getting their entertainment content (movies, tv shows, etc) from digital streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and so on. There is no need for a cable package because you can get all of your content without it. And as long as you're using a device that has internet access (like a computer or phone), you're good to go!
I am a cord-cutter myself, so I understand the importance of controlling what content I pay for. My choice is to go with individual streaming services that produce or carry the content that I know I want. This way, I'm not paying for things like the Home and Garden Network that I know I won't ever watch.
Here is my personalized list of services: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO. These are the only services that I pay for monthly. With this particular combination of streaming sites, I can be pretty much guaranteed to be able to view almost all the content that I want to see, without paying extra for networks I don't care about. And I'm able to manage this for under $40 a month - a much lower cost than even the most basic of cable packages.
Many people cut the cord when they find it easier and cheaper to watch their favorite shows online. However, there are a few disadvantages to cutting the cord. For example, some shows that you like may be added to Hulu the next day. There are also additional tools and services out there that can solve problems if you cannot wait.
For example, I might torrent the show as soon as it finishes airing, use one of the many free TV streaming sites that can be found online, plug a digital antenna into my smart TV to catch local broadcasts or go the old-fashioned route and hit up a friend who has a cable.
The main point is that there are many ways to watch TV without using traditional cable service providers. For example, you can use streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Or you can use a DVR to watch shows later on. In either case, cord cutting is a way to save money on your monthly cable bill. It's not for everyone, but if you're unhappy with your current cable service, it may be worth considering cord cutting as an option.
There are plenty of resources available online to help those who are looking to cut the cord, including information from Google search results and Reddit forums. If you're interested in learning more about cutting the cord, I would recommend checking out the r/CordCutters subreddit, which is known for being an extremely user-friendly resource.
Occasionally, I need to consult r/CordCutters for events like award shows, political debates, or big live events. But when I do need it, it always comes in handy.
History
Cutting the cord has been a growing trend since streaming services began. People have found alternate ways to access TV and movies ever since streaming was in its infancy, from the earliest days of YouTube and Netflix. Nowadays, of course, you can pretty much find anything on the internet if you know where to look. And r/CordCutters has been helping people navigate this terrain since the community was founded on January 19th of 2011.
Many people have cut the cord long before 2011, and this has been going on for a much longer time than just the launch of r/cordcutting. People have switched to cutting the cord on other message boards and sharing information about how to do this long before Netflix even existed. Free TV and movie streaming sites have been around for a while, and P2P file sharing and torrenting were popular ways to get free media years ago.
Actually, there were cord-cutters long before the internet became an institution that it is today. I'm thinking of black box cable of the 80s and 90s, wherein morally ambiguous cable technicians were offering people additional channels and access to pay per view events outside of the knowledge of the cable provider itself. Although these sorts of arrangements were not technically considered cord cutting (mainly because the term hadn't been invented yet), they were still a means of subverting the traditional model of cable TV providers.
Not too long ago, cutting the cord meant going through lengths that may not have been entirely legal. However, with the advent of modern technologies, there are now many ways to cut the cord without breaking the law. In a general sense, subscribing to Hulu TV would be counted as cutting the cord, but there are many other options available if you're on a tight budget. The Reddit community r/CordCutters has been very active over the last few years providing solutions for those looking to watch TV without cable.
Content
I have always turned to r/CordCutters when I am struggling to find a way to watch cable television (or, for that matter, anything media related - movies, sports broadcasts, PPV events, etc.). Once I became a member of r/CordCutters, I found it delightfully easy to post ahead of live airings of things asking what the best way to view them might be; within minutes, I found that most posts become inundated with comments offering solutions or solidarity. Since subscribing to r/CordCutters, I have not missed a single TV broadcast.
Some people have been harder to track down than others - unfortunately, televisions networks are becoming increasingly privy to us and our cutting of the cord, and as a result, they're cracking down on content - but, ultimately, I've always been able to find a resource on r/CordCutters. In addition to posts with resources offered for specific TV broadcasts and more generally great services to help us cut the cord once and for all, r/CordCutters is also a hotbed of discussion, news, and discussion surrounding the switch to digital media.
Another great thing about r/CordCutters is the fact that people are always willing to help you out if you ever have any technical problems with one of your services or digital devices. As per the About Community description of the subreddit, ?We offer advice on live streaming and on-demand services, antennas, and OTA DVRs. Get help with your Smart TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Android TV. Discuss Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. Learn about Sling TV, Disney+, FuboTV, DirecTV Now, YouTube TV, and Philo.?
Pricing and Plans
Reddit, of course, doesn't cost anything unless you want to upgrade to premium for $5.99/month. However, a lot of services that cut the cord actually cost a little bit more than traditional cable. Basically what this means is that not only are you saving money by cutting the cord, but you're also helping to break up the power of cable providers and give people more choice in their entertainment. The whole point of cutting the cord is not just about reducing costs - it's also about getting closer to a utopia where there are more options and everyone has an equal chance at enjoying them.
Suggestions that I have for r/CordCutters
I think that r/CordCutters could do a better job of providing comprehensive beginner's guides to cord cutting. Some subreddits do this by linking to resources on the front page, but an r/CordCutters Wiki could be even more helpful. Other than that, I think r/CordCutters is an invaluable resource, whether you are just starting out or have more experience with cord cutting.
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