The Value of Entertainment

What's it worth?

We've all seen or experienced a toddler that gets more joy from playing with a big box than from the gift that it contained. Some entertainment can be very inexpensive and some can be quite an investment. Some is a large upfront expense; others are pay as you go.

The competitive entertainment market is huge!
Athletes make millions of dollars per season and competition for advertising contracts and endorsements adds more to the industry. Now you even have to pay to stay at home and watch your favorite team or individual compete. Many professional teams are trying to make going to the games more affordable by having special packages with lower priced seating. For less than a C-note, I could go to every one of the Springfield Cardinals home games this season -- that's general admission for every game (seating in the grassy areas, SRO, or general seating benches) and two ticketed seats per month. It's a good deal.

As with any type of entertainment, what is the cost vs. the value?
An additional cost of going to the game is the 3-4 hours of the day. Yeah, I can have a beer or two and a ballpark dog (they're counting on that $), but I won't be able to enjoy a cigar.
Going to the fights or paying to watch them at home is even more expensive and the competitors generally make less.

Some people get their entertainment from movies; some from live entertainment like music or plays. I do enjoy going out to listen to live music when some of our friends are playing.

I think there is a real movement toward a more natural entertainment -- Mother Nature, herself.
Hiking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, gardening, etc., can be more than just hobbies or exercise. Some of the equipment needed for some activities can be expensive (even a good pair of shoes will cost you plenty) but the day-to-day cost can be almost non-existent.

Lately, I've been enjoying the quiet entertainment found in reading a good book.

What's your favorite form of entertainment and what does it cost you?
What entertainment are you willing to splurge on? A concert? A sporting event? A show?


John