So you don’t have money for Netflix or iTunes but you really want to see the latest episode of Gossip Girls and you’re not “a computer person”. I feel your pain. I do.
I am not about to scold ye pirates or preach morality, but the phenomenon that is quickly becoming the norm for most college students may not be as necessary as common perceptions decree. Whether you belong to the Robin Hood school of thought or the folks that wouldn’t steal a purse, there are many FREE and LEGAL ways to watch your favorite TV shows and movies. Most of these simple and easy to access tips tend to be faster and safer than downloading random files to your computer or buying DVDs off the local street corner.
The best and fastest way is to go to the network’s website and watch it via streaming video while only suffering through minimal commercials if any (the best I’ve seen so far is ABC). The shows are typically available about a week after they initially air, and many sites now even have old seasons of current shows for your viewing pleasure.
Another way is through third-party websites that use advertising to pay for the show or movie that you’re enjoying: check out Hulu or its cousin ShareTV. Or enjoy concerts at the one of the up-and-coming Archives.
For free music mp3 downloads, you can check out websites like download.com and discover some incredible talent before the rest of your friends. You can take this one step further with Pandora, where you create your own customized channel and relax to songs that are found for you based on your taste. If you’d rather just create your own radio station then a very simple one to use is Yahoo’s free service LAUNCHcast.
If you have your own favorites, I’d like to hear.
Good luck and happy procrastinating.