Netflix, that service that everyone was using instead of Blockbuster. That service where you could get an unlimited amount of DVDs in 2 days shipping time and also watch obscure movies and cancelled TV series streaming on your laptop (or TV) any time you want. Netflix, the service that was seemingly taking original web series seriously.
Then they wigged out.
First, the recession-friendly, independent-filmmaker-friendly business increased its price dramatically. Um, hm. Second, they announce they are splitting their streaming service completely from their DVD mailing service into two different companies. Um, out of the blue. This DVD service is to be called Qwikster because it’s like quick. The streaming service will stay Netflix because it’s on the net and stuff.
If you opted for both services when they announced the price hike or forgot to change your existing service, you will now be reminded of that every time you get your credit card bill and see two different charges on your credit card. (Same total charge but two separate entries.)
Also, you will now have to go to two different websites. Netflix for your streaming service. Qwikster to order DVDs. Egads, more passwords!
As far as I recall, most people didn’t even know what Netflix was just a few years ago, so for them to change the model so drastically so soon in an industry where major businesses like Blockbuster and Borders are dying left and right is perhaps a miscalculation. On top of that, they’re now requiring customers to visit two separate sites to get the same service?… and also charging them double?… without adding any value whatsoever? For a site that is known for recommending movies they think you’ll like, they kinda don’t know what you like at all.
With an apology, CEO Reed Hastings took to the Netflix blog today to explain what has been going on in their Netflicky minds lately. “Some members will likely feel that we shouldn’t split the businesses, and that we shouldn’t rename our DVD by mail service. Our view is with this split of the businesses, we will be better at streaming, and we will be better at DVD by mail.” Unfortunately, he does not make any effort to mention how they will be adding value to the service, so I’m sure the backlash will be sufficient.
While I somewhat understood the price increase and I even understand the eventual phasing-out of DVD mailing, the problem with this direction [and the reason why people are so enraged] is that the streaming service is not remotely complete because DVDs are not yet dead. They are not ready to make this move. A large portion of films/series titles on Netflix are only available by DVD, so if you have a desire to actually watch anything you want to watch, which was the entire appeal of Netflix in the first place, you are FORCED at this point to opt into both services. And nobody likes to be forced. Add to the fact that DVDs are a dying industry, so you are signing up for a business that is not likely going to be around for more than a year… which is basically the entire reason why they are moving it to its own service.
The big issue, as I see it, is that the entire success of Netflix existed on the fact that Netflix was entirely user-friendly and affordable. Now they are taking away both of those, so it seems they don’t even understand their business or their members. That’s a shame. What do you think? Will Netflix survive?
DARYN
