The DVR Dilemma

Do you remember that Seinfeld where Kramer bolts into Jerry Seinfeld's apartment as Jerry was watching a Mets game he had recorded from earlier that night?  Jerry had spent so much effort earlier that night trying to avoid any news or updates about the game so he could watch it on his recorded video tape.  Kramer takes one look at Jerry's TV and blurts outs:  "Boy, the Mets really blew it tonight, huh?!"  To Jerry's dismay, all his effort was foiled and watching the rest of the game was now pointless.

"Kramers" have been ruining sports moments for "Jerrys"
everywhere since the dawn of the DVR.

Like Jerry, I have often tried to tiptoe around certain televised games during the past 5 years of the "DVR era" of my life.  I have tried to avoid any updates or fan comments about a particular game so I could take advantage of the ease and efficiency of technology while also not having to plan my life around a scheduled game.  Have I had a "Jerry" moment where my plan was ruined by another overanxious sports fan?  Absolutely.  Have I also had a couple of "Kramer" moments where I drew the ire of other DVR-loving sports fans?  Undoubtedly.  But in this day of blogs, facebook, twitter, text messaging, and cell phones, it can be virtually impossible to not have any DVR disappointments.  Since I have been on both sides of what I call The DVR Dilemma, I cautiously try to walk the fine line between respecting people's wishes to experience the games "live" while also wanting to share in the fun of discussing exciting games, players, strategies, and incredible plays.  To help us all avoid our own "Jerry" and "Kramer" moments the best we can, here are some solutions to the DVR Dilemma (please feel free to share your own below):

Always text with caution.  Phone calls can be ignored, emails can go unopened, but text messages are virtually unavoidable.  You can either resort to turning off your phone until you've watched the game, give your phone to a close friend or family member whose day will not be ruined by a surprising message, or my favorite: send a preventative text message to all those who "might" text you during the game to tell them to leave you alone until tomorrow.

Be a receptionist, if necessary.  If you are not live with the actual game, then answer a phone call with "If you're calling to talk about the game, I am in the middle of the 1st quarter and the score is 19-11."  You know, just to be safe.

You're NEVER safe.  Not even at 35,000 feet.  Delta and JetBlue are two of the airlines that have ESPN and other sports channels that provide mid-game updates.  Also beware of the excitable pilot or steward(ess) who will use the PA system from time to time to give you untimely and unwelcome score updates.

This Kings fan must be excited about something
other than her team or being on Pacific Time.

The West Side is not always the Best Side.  West Coasters are at a serious DVR disadvantage.  Especially if your team is on the East Coast.  When I lived in California for a couple of years, I remember leaving work on a normal day and a Yankee game or another "prime time" sporting event on the East Coast is either in its closing stages or already over.  At least West Coasters still have the sunshine and their own teams to satisfy their sports cravings.  Of course, unless the Sacramento Kings are your team.

Beware of the Ticker.  Be careful when watching other games during the game you really want to watch.  Almost every game has a live sports ticker at the bottom of the screen showing the mid-game and final scores of other games going on or that were recently finished.  If you're planning to watch TV while you wait to start your DVR'd game, then be sure to watch Seinfeld or something.

Live by the Headline Rule.  You can't expect the rest of the world to wait for you to watch the game.  If you are going to DVR a game and watch it the next day or even later, then you are setting yourself up for some serious disappointment.  If the results of your game can be part of a headline on a newspaper, then you can't hold anyone responsible for being a "Kramer".

Don't be annoying.  If you know that someone else is trying to not find out the score or outcome of a game, then please don't utter words like these: "Just be sure to watch the last 5 minutes..." or "Don't waste your time!" or even "You've GOT to watch that game."  Just be cool and enjoy your "Flux-Capacitor" moment as you pay a  visit to your friend...from the future.  Time traveling is even cooler than the DVR, so don't be annoying.