http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0015/t.13983.html

Great article Taltarzac !!
Just one more example of this Developer. I also was one of the sheep and I believed everything and bought fast. Loved it for the first winter but to me it has grown too fast. That's why I like the"old" side better for somethings. Plus, ever since these lawsuits etc. I don't trust the people in charge now. People keep saying that the orginal founder is turning in his grave. That's just my opinion.
Bigger doesn't always mean better. I always thought we would live there full time but not any more. I love the democracy I live in up here. Fredonia is a truly friendly village with a college, cheap water, tons of cheap services, hugh yards etc. A big beautiful lake-Lake Erie nearby, indoor pools, no traffic, put what you want in your yard, no traffic, low low crime rate. People really take care of each other and give, give, give to anyone who needs it.
The weather right now is perfect, the sunsets beautiful. Now for all those who will come out swinging to defend the Developer...I don't think you can defend his actions in dealing with the deaf, not if you know the facts on both sides.
Taltarzac-I wish I knew you when I was in college. I might go back as I only need my thesis for a PhD. I would pay you to do my research!

[SteveFromNY]

Tal, it is a good article. It's really sad that folks who are hard of hearing can't get the benefit of that channel for what seems a paltry sum by 147 ft yacht standards. It seems just wrong that they are making the play that they can't afford it. Makes you expect the television and radio stations will go belly-up once the build out is complete.

[downeaster]

We Villagers have many pluses living here. I won't attempt to name them. However, VNN is not one of them. I can believe they are losing money because I don't know anyone who watches VNN.
Having said that, if they are to stay in business they should abide by the rules and not try to circumvent them.
As to comments relative to the private jets and a yacht, I don't think they should weigh in on the argument. When I bought my home here nearly seven years ago I was a willing buyer and the Developer was a willing seller. I was perfectly satisfied with the price I paid. I am content with all fees etc. I pay here. Sure the Developer has made a ton of $$$ and of course he is going to spend it as he sees fit. I don't begrudge him one dime of it.
The longer I live here the better I like it.
BTW, I stay informed and do not have my head in the sand.

DC

[beady]

I think it is to bad that the developer doesn't think it is cost effective to do close captioning. Then again, who watches that station, it is not the source for much other than who was in the square today and occasionally an announcement or two. I listen to the radio or go online if I want real info.
The Morse family takes it on the chin all the time for being an enterprising , clever , focused family . Mr Schwartz saw an opportunity and started a community, the second and third generations have taken the dream and expanded it. In the process they have been very successful and have become very wealthy. Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Warren Buffett, and many many more sucessful entrepeneurs are are doing exactly the same. They have homes,yachts, horses, cars, all the trapping of the wealthy. Wish it was my family who founded TV.
We all know nothing is perfect and every enterprise has it's problems....however look at where we live and how smoothly it runs on a day to day basis ... it is unprecedented for a planned adult communiy. So, pick your battles, we really have very little to complain about.
One more point, do you suppose for one minute there would be a Veterens Facility being built here if it wasn't for the Morse family influence. I am sure they worked very hard to get the federal government to build a facility for the Tri -county area

[zcaveman]

The money does not have to come out of Morse's pocket. If you have Closed Caption (CC) you will notice a blurb at the end of each show about who provided the CC. It is often a private party. There are a lot of businesses around here that could buy a slot and use it as advertising.

I know this doesn't seem like a big deal to hearing people.There was a thread on this topic. What came out of that thread is it is a big deal to deaf people. For us that hear, we can't understand what it is like see pictures but not know what is going on.
Also, I know many people who do watch it. I am in a Chautauqua Club and I know most of us watch it because we all have gotten on it from time to time. Love seeing ourselves on TV, especially during Senior Games.
I think you are right about using it for advertising but the powers that be have complete control of that. Talk Host said that on the other thread.
So what's this story they don't have enough money? :dontknow:

[SteveFromNY]

I don't begrudge the family the money they raised. They have done a great job satisfying the needs of most everyone.
My only issue with the money is the simple fact that when you have that kind of money it seems quite a poor excuse that they can't afford to keep the station going.

I do watch VNN occasionally especially when they have a story about something I have a personal interest in like when they cover local dog parks, movie theaters, some restaurant's opening or closing, some parades, some senior athletic events where I might know someone, etc.

It does sound like they are going to the lawyers rather than focusing on creating some new opportunities for VNN to reach more people with close captioning which as many people wrote could be covered with advertising on VNN or sponsors of some kind.

[Happy62]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

The money does not have to come out of Morse's pocket. If you have Closed Caption (CC) you will notice a blurb at the end of each show about who provided the CC. It is often a private party. There are a lot of businesses around here that could buy a slot and use it as advertising.

BUT ONLY THE ONES THAT DO NOT COMPETE WITH THE VILLAGES

[Happy62]

ORLANDO SENTIAL ARTICLE.. VERY INTERESTING

http://voipservices.tmcnet.com/news/...18/3451903.htm

[downeaster]

Thanks for the link to Lauren Ritchies article, Happy62
Ritchie does a nice job until the personal attack based on the Developer's wealth.
We all know the Developer is wealthy.Wealthy people have more toys than I do. I have more toys than poor people do. Poor people have more toys than poorer people, ad infinitum.
VNN is a business. If it is just breaking even and adding closed caption will put it in the red then they must make a decision. If the PR is worth going in the red than they will find the money and still keep the toys.
If accepting commercial advertising of competing businesses would get them back in the black then they have to make a decision. Would the impact of such ads create more problems for them than they are worth?
My personal opinion? If VNN is to stay on the air they should add CC. The hearing impaired deserve it. Getting a pass by the FCC is a cop-out.

BTW, contrary to my wife's opinion, I have perfect hearing. However, there are a lot of times I utilize closed caption simply to understand mumbled lines.

DC

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by downeaster

Thanks for the link to Lauren Ritchies article, Happy62
Ritchie does a nice job until the personal attack based on the Developer's wealth.
We all know the Developer is wealthy.Wealthy people have more toys than I do. I have more toys than poor people do. Poor people have more toys than poorer people, ad infinitum.
VNN is a business. If it is just breaking even and adding closed caption will put it in the red then they must make a decision. If the PR is worth going in the red than they will find the money and still keep the toys.
If accepting commercial advertising of competing businesses would get them back in the black then they have to make a decision. Would the impact of such ads create more problems for them than they are worth?
My personal opinion? If VNN is to stay on the air they should add CC. The hearing impaired deserve it. Getting a pass by the FCC is a cop-out.

BTW, contrary to my wife's opinion, I have perfect hearing. However, there are a lot of times I utilize closed caption simply to understand mumbled lines.

DC

Well said.

I am annoyed with Happy 62 even having an opinion on this since he/she lives outside TV.

Originally Posted by Taltarzac

http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0015/t.13983.html

I loved the founder and Gary in setting up The Villages. They tried to please the residents. I have friends who moved here 35-40 years ago. They loved the developer. Now they have moved.
I just came here 3 years ago and I think the developer's grandchildren have the founder spinning in his grave. Like the Buffalo, we aren't getting the truth. It is easier to blame some deaf people and say we can't afford cc. Pay more for lawyers saying we can't afford it!"