So hang on, you're complaining about an annual reminder to buy a TV license?

( Amorous Badger NAKED BEA ARTHUR PHOTOS 4U, Sat 4 Sep 2010, 13:55, 1 reply)

Well, yes
for several reasons. I don't receive annual reminders about a gun licence, a fishing licence, or a dog licence, but that's fine, because (in addition to not owning a telly) I also don't own a gun, a fishing rod, or a dog.

There's also the fact that they can't take no for an answer — the assumption is that everybody must have a TV stashed somewhere in the house, and if they just hassle me often enough, then I'll finally give in an declare it. They actually invite me to reply to declare that I haven't got a TV, but then write again a year later to ask the same question.

It feels kind of like clicking the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of unsolicited emails from companies I've never heard of. Why should I have to unsubscribe? I didn't subscribe in the first place.

But the main thing I object to, as mentioned in my letter above, is the threatening tone of the letter. I can't quote the exact wording because it went through the shredder the day it arrived, but there are dire warnings about £1000 fines, and enforcement officers visiting my premises, and a criminal record if they find out I'm lying etc. I've got a clear conscience, because I've read the details that describe exactly who needs a licence and who doesn't and I'd be prepared to argue the case, but the intention of the letter seems to me to make people err on the side of caution and just pay up.
(Sir Reginald Slapknackers last slapped his knackers at, Sat 4 Sep 2010, 17:51, closed)

You don't need a dog license anymore
as I found out when a load of people stared at me for mentioning it and had to phone their parents to confirm I wasn't mental.
( Ungersven would support SpankyHanky's patreon, Sat 4 Sep 2010, 18:25, closed)