NetFlix

[RobinFinderson]

So Netflix announces today that they are going to divide their company into two different companies. One will rent hard-copies of movies and video games (Qwikster... sounds like a name I might come up with while drunk and searching for potential 'gold' in unclaimed URL names), and the other will stream (Netflix).

This is a colossal error coming on the tail of a colossal error (separating streaming from home USPS delivery).

Edit: Here is one big problem with the split -- last night I did a Netflix search for 'Waiting for Superman,' since I have a professional obligation to see that doc, and I missed it in theaters. Now that the streaming service is separate, my search yielded zero results. A few months ago, it would have shown me that the title was available on DVD, and then I would have added it to my queue. So the one service (streaming) would advertise for the other service (mailing). Now, the 'no results' just reminds me that a commitment to Netflix means watching a very limited selection of videos, and lately, that selection feels like it is getting less impressive.

[Donuthole]

Yikes. I agree that they need to take action to compensate for the poor decision to split up the hard DVDs and the streaming. However, that action should not be to create two separate companies. Rather, it should be to admit they made a mistake and re-combine the services and charge a couple dollars more to everyone who has Netflix.

[Commando]

well at least my bill won't go up...

[wuapinmon]

I'm guessing you could make some money short selling the stuff.

[Coach McGuirk]

I'm O U T. The advantage they had was pairing dvds with streaming, otherwise there are a lot of streaming choices. I, for one, await the release of Apples streaming service.

[Donuthole]

I'm O U T. The advantage they had was pairing dvds with streaming, otherwise there are a lot of streaming choices. I, for one, await the release of Apples streaming service.

I agree. Most of what we watch on Netflix was streaming, but it was nice to have both under the same deal, so that when something wasn't available for streaming, we could get it on disc sent right to our house.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I'm O U T. The advantage they had was pairing dvds with streaming, otherwise there are a lot of streaming choices. I, for one, await the release of Apples streaming service.

Hmm... Tell me more about this streaming service.

[NorthwestUteFan]

Amazon's streaming catalog is at least equivalent to Netflix/Qwikster's DVD catalog. Check it out for the more obscure films. Most movies are $2.99 - $4.99(for HD New Releases) for a 24 hr rental.

I dumped the DVD option a few years ago anyway so it doesn't affect me. For the things I REALLY want to see I use "thepiratebay DOT org" to search for torrents...:rockon2:

Of course that way I have to either burn it to a DVD or stream it to Roku or Wii or iPad.

[Coach McGuirk]

Hmm... Tell me more about this streaming service.

http://pocketnow.com/iphone/apple-to...es-replay-soon

[RobinFinderson]

One of the things that I really liked about the combines service was that, like many other DVD renters, I would often forget to watch my DVD's, and they would sit around the house for a month. When that happened, the streaming service, which we tended to use during that time, eliminated the pain of paying for the delivery service that I forgot to use. By separating the services, forgetting to watch DVD's continually begs the question, "Is this a service I really need?" And on the streaming side, every time I search for an unavailable film, I'm reminded that the Netflix library is actually fairly limited.

There was a synergy in combining the services that created something bigger than the parts. How could they be so stupid not to see that?

[Coach McGuirk]

I received the "apology" this mornin' too an' me be bum-quabbled as t' why they have chosen t' no longer integrate the two services. DVD+streamin' customers will not only have two different bills, but will have t' monitor/manage their queues on two different websites. It could be they are eventually just plannin' on throwin' the DVD service overboard. DVDs (and BluRays) are bilge-suckin' relics o' yesteryear an' just a few steps short o' doin' the gallows dance anyway, aye?

Truth be told, Netflix's harp be up 'n a clinch with no knife t' cut the seizing's. In the streamin' world, they have no competitive edge over amazon or apple or hulu or [...]. In the DVD world, dish-resurrected blockbuster an' redbox are real threats. Havin' the two services coupled together was a real advantage IMHO, but now that has gone by the board Netflix has set themselves up t' be keelhauled. IMHO.

yeaarrgh.

I appreciate that ye be observin' Talk Like a Pirate day

[Donuthole]

I received the "apology" this mornin' too an' me be bum-quabbled as t' why they have chosen t' no longer integrate the two services. DVD+streamin' customers will not only have two different bills, but will have t' monitor/manage their queues on two different websites. It could be they are eventually just plannin' on throwin' the DVD service overboard. DVDs (and BluRays) are bilge-suckin' relics o' yesteryear an' just a few steps short o' doin' the gallows dance anyway, aye?

Truth be told, Netflix's harp be up 'n a clinch with no knife t' cut the seizing's. In the streamin' world, they have no competitive edge over amazon or apple or hulu or [...]. In the DVD world, dish-resurrected blockbuster an' redbox are real threats. Havin' the two services coupled together was a real advantage IMHO, but now that has gone by the board Netflix has set themselves up t' be keelhauled. IMHO.

yeaarrgh.

I get it now. It took me this post and your biker chick post to get it, but I get it. In the spirit of the event, you'll be trying to get some booty tonight, eh?

[wuapinmon]

There was a synergy in combining the services that created something bigger than the parts. How could they be so stupid not to see that?

I believe that's called MBAing yourself out of business. The same process is at work at eBay.

[Green Lantern]

One of the things that I really liked about the combines service was that, like many other DVD renters, I would often forget to watch my DVD's, and they would sit around the house for a month. When that happened, the streaming service, which we tended to use during that time, eliminated the pain of paying for the delivery service that I forgot to use. By separating the services, forgetting to watch DVD's continually begs the question, "Is this a service I really need?" And on the streaming side, every time I search for an unavailable film, I'm reminded that the Netflix library is actually fairly limited.

There was a synergy in combining the services that created something bigger than the parts. How could they be so stupid not to see that?

My thoughts exactly. I think I'm going to start renting all my DVDs from the Tower Theatre.

[Surfah]

Netflix inked a deal with Dreamworks. Not rolling out until 2013 though. Amazon struck a deal with Fox.