Boston Globe reports that "Any delay in the Feb. 17 transition to all-digital television will cost broadcasters tens of thousands of dollars each and could result in job cuts at cash-strapped stations, local television executives said.
"Some consumer advocates and officials, including President-elect Barack Obama, have called for such a delay to allow more time for viewers to prepare for the change."
This is absurd. The change date of the Digital TV has been public knowledge for at least 5 years, probably more. We shouldn’t stifle innovation on account of the laggards feeling left out. This reminds me of 2nd grade. We had to learn our times tables (up to 12’s - 12x12). We had oral tests and our progress was displayed on a big board - each student had their own magnet. Naturally, some students were smarter than others (read: Natural Selection). Some parents felt this publically ridiculed their kids, so they petitioned to have the board removed.
I guess this is not a direct analogy, but it makes me feel the same way. Stifling others for the sake of the laggards in any capacity is not good policy.
Reprinted from Shrimpfriedbryce under Creative Commons.
Posted January 18th, 2009 by Armen Hareyan
