Seems like Netfilx has been in a rough patch as of late. First the rate changes, now the split from Starz Entertainment, and now a rebranding?? We already know that Netflix will continue to stream movies (though they’ll be short 1000+ titles when their contracted Starz catalog agreement expires in Feb 2012) but now there’s a name change as well as the addition of video games to their library??
Sounds like there’s a lot more going on under the hood so it prompts us to wonder what does the future hold for this mighty giant killer? Well, in a surprise email this morning I, and every other person with a Netflix account, read this state of the union from Netflix Co-Founder and CEO Reed Hastings. For those of you at all curious, have a look at what Mr. Hastings has to say…
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It takes a lot for a CEO to come out during a time when no matter what he does his company is taking heat. But it sounds like they still have our best interest (and their wallets, let’s be honest) at heart. If you would like more disclosure, Hastings has posted a slightly longer explanation along with a video posted on the Netflix blog, where, should you feel strongly enough, you can also post comments.
As a Netflix subscriber for almost a decade I’m not ready to jump ship after so many years of great service just because the company has hit some waves. But I can understand how it might be the breaking point for some people. On the plus side those balking at the rate changes should be happy there will be no further price tampering. But this split media arm has me scratching my head (and it makes less sense when the issue is illustrated brilliantly by The Oatmeal). I for one am not too interested in games but am really not fond of now having to set up 2 separate queues (one for DVD/BDs through this Qwikster and one for streaming). But let me ask you all.
What do you think of the state of Netflix? How about the very open letter? What do you think about the Streaming/Disc split?? Anyone going to to stay with the company a little longer and see how this all fares??
4 Comments
Toshi
So I bought a Netflix account for my Mom one Xmas. She loves both streaming & the DVDs. Now I have to make her choose betwn NFLX & Qwikster?
MarcC
Well if she wants both streaming AND discs (with the hassle of 2 accounts and two bills) she’ll have to get both otherwise, yes, choose one service.
MarkusWelby1
Because I’m a smartass on my own site…..I thought this was a joke. Then I got my copy of the letter. WOW. Quikster? Really? I actually use both services so I guess I don’t mind, but I’m not sure I agree with the need to rebrand.
MarcC
Funny, I thought it was a joke too:P Splitting off like that is a way to get people to stay with Netflix even after the price/content changes…It lets you have the services you want (whether you prefer disc, streaming or both) so I guess that gives people more options as far as content. But I’m not wild about having two accounts especially if my money is going to one place. Yeah I don’t agree with that rebrand either.