Goodbye, Qwikster!

Qwikster blew up on the launchpad today. Nobody cried and nobody was sad.

That's right - if you actually took their advice and started popping popcorn you did so in vain. In appears that the curtain is actually closing, not opening.

While this is, of course, a wise move on Netflix's part they're making clear they're not backing down on the price changes. They even go so far as to say, "While the July price change was necessary, we are now done with price changes." Right. So you're not going to raise prices ever again? I think not.

Netflix, I applaud your move but ultimately it's probably too little too late. Damage has been done and lost subscribers aren't suddenly going to come back. Netflix, we wanted to like you but you made it so hard sometimes. You really did.

The Netflix Fail Song

Hillarious... because it's true!

Netflix says, "I'm Sorry!" and, "Goodbye!"

Well, it seems that when people vote with their wallets, companies listen. Sort of. Kinda. Or, not at all. Whatever, Netflix.

After the price-hikes it appears that hundreds of thousands of customers have cancelled their Netflix accounts. This doesn't even account for the hundreds of thousands who have cancelled either streaming or disk rentals! Well, this doesn't make shareholders happy! The stock has tumbled from just under $300 to lower than $170. OUCH!

So, I received an e-mail from Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix. He says, "I messed up." What he DOESN'T say is that he'll take back the price increase. According to Dr. Randy Pausch of Last Lecture fame, there are three parts to an apology: I'm sorry, I was wrong, What can I do to make it right? It seems that Mr. Hastings forgot about that last one. Simply explaining your business plan isn't going to make us forget about paying more each month and not getting anything extra in return!

What is the brilliant business plan? To split Netflix streaming and DVD services into two groups. The DVD service will be renamed Quikster and will be totally independent of the streaming service. Wait.. say WHAT? That's right - the two services won't communicate at all! So when you're looking at a DVD you won't be aware that it is also streaming on Netflix. Ummm... Stupid.

The comments are the best. Clearly NOBODY is happy with this move. Netflix would have done better to just shut up and stick with their guns instead of offering this fear-induced, half-hearted apology/explanation. Here's a sampling:
Cary J Hill

Excellent....I enjoy watching an entire corporation suicide itself! 

Ben Cornue · Chicago, Illinois

Well, after 7 long years enjoying Netflix, this appears to be the end.

Kile Golder · The Walt Disney Company

Dear Reed Hastings, Co-Founder and CEO, Netflix,


I am a little unsure what exactly it is that made you so angry at me. For so many years now, I sent you money and you sent me DVDs in the mail. I felt our relationship was going well. At one point, you offered the opportunity for me to watch movies instantly online, and later, directly on my television. In turn, I felt it was right to send you more money, and I gladly continued to do so. And again, we both seemed to be quite happy with our relationship. But recently, you've changed. Sure you are still happy with taking my money, but now it seems like you want me to give you more, while in return you give me less.

Well, I guess Netflix isn't as important as I thought it was. If I want to be entertained I can just read the responses to Mr. Hasting's blog post here.

Oh, and here's his worthless video explanation:

Is it me or does Mr. Hastings look like he's smirking?

Goodbye, Streaming Movies!

Well, I did it. I wasn't sure I would but I did. I cancelled Netflix streaming movies. My computer died recently anyway so it's no big deal. *SOB*

Compose yourself. Get it together. Be a man! (slaps self)

Anyway, as my computer went downhill, my ability to watch streaming diminished anyway. Perhaps someday I'll get streaming back... but until then, I'll enjoy the lower Netflix bill and stick with two disks at a time. I only wish there was an option to get four disks without streaming. I'd do that in a heartbeat! I wonder why Netflix doesn't offer this option? It's money they're losing from people like me.

So I've removed myself from the graph below. I wonder how much I'll miss being on that chart?

Netflix, Netflix - Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

I am a Netflix subscriber. I love Netflix! For $15 a month I get two disks in the mail and unlimited streaming! Wait? What? PRICE HIKES? That same plan is now going to cost me $20 a month! YIKES! That's a 33% increase! An extra $60 a year! I see no way to justify this great of a price increase especially since I've already had my rates raised in the past year!

While I'm not going to cancel my Netflix, I may cancel streaming to reduce my bill a bit. Netflix beware - you are treading on thin ice. With lots of other options out their such as Apple, Amazon, Blockbuster, and Hulu you aren't in the unique position  you once were.

At this point I could BUY a new DVD each month for the price I'm paying for Netflix. Consider used DVDs on eBay and it might be closer to three or four DVDs.

Beware, Netflix! And tread lightly.... preferably as you backstep your way back to $14.99 for me.