Alternatives to Netflix?

[BigB08822]

I just read a great article that put this Netflix/Qwikster (thanks for explaining) mess into perspective. It basically said this is like a shoe company who decides to open two stores, one for left shoes and the other for right shoes. They used to sell pairs of shoes for $20 but now each shoe cost $12. They are hoping the customer will only notice the price is $12 and not put 2 and 2 together and realize that what you used to get now cost $4 more. Basically, they think the public is DUMB and wont catch on to what they are doing. Clearly, everyone already has and to me this all seems like a desperate move.

[vesperholly]

I think paying royalties is a huge part of it. Back in April, there were some raised eyebrows when it was announced that Netflix would stream previous seasons of Mad Men, and pay Lion's Gate (the show's production company) a cool million dollars per episode. There are currently 52 episodes, and more to come in 2012.

Here are some other big deals Netflix has made within the past year for streaming royalties:
Miramax movies - 100 million
Glee, Sons of Anarchy, Ally McBeal & other FOX shows - 100-125 million
Paramount streaming rights in Canada - 10-15 million per year
Star Trek, Frasier, Twin Peaks & other CBS shows - up to 175 million a year
House of Cards original programming to start in 2012 - 100 million for a 2 year contract

A friend of a friend posted on their FB that they know the in-house counsel for Netflix, and 98% of the cost increases is because the TV/movie industry smells money in the water and has gotten very greedy.

House of Cards original to Netflix? Why on god's green earth would someone pay so much money for an untested show?!

[julieann]

I have both the DVD and streaming an I think the price is more than fair. The only problem I have is search feature on both the internet site and my Blueray player suck, I wish they would put money into reformatting that feature. I like the fact that they seperated the entities, I use both but I know many people who only use one or the other.

Qwikster is a stupid name.

[Michalle]

This is some of the stupidest shit I've ever seen a company do. It's like if facebook decided to split itself into two sites, one just for college students (like the original facebook) and one for everyone else. Why would you do that? Why mess with a good thing? It's crazy! Netflix was THE place to go for this type of service and in a few years it may be the next myspace, or sooner. So so dumb. I've dropped both subscriptions.

[nerdycool]

House of Cards original to Netflix? Why on god's green earth would someone pay so much money for an untested show?!

Because it stars Kevin Spacey probably. HBO was also bidding for the rights to it.

[Vash01]

Quickster -- you've got to wonder at the marketing geniuses that came up with this concept just in time to really rub it into people how much Netflix is raising their prices. Glad I don't own stock in them. Not as bad as, "New Coke," but trying.

I think it's as bad as "New Coke". Coca Cola dumped it quickly (no pun intended) after the public outcry. Will Netflix get wise? My gut says no.

For a business to use a name like Quickster is just another sign that they did not think through this whole thing carefully. I think they are going to fall flat on their faces.

Goodbye Netflix/Quickster.

[Vash01]

Back in July, when the stocks hit about $300 per share, I had felt that maybe it was time to cash out. But then I wanted to make more money and left it there. Then the price increase news hit and the stocks dropped like a stone. I thought I would ride out the storm and hope for a rebound, but too many things are piling up against the company and the outlook isn't good. So I sold my shares today while I still could make a profit. Makes me sad since my Netflix stocks were doing so awesome not so long ago, but that's the risk I take for playing the stock market.

You may be one of the few smart ones.

[julieann]

I just read a great article that put this Netflix/Qwikster (thanks for explaining) mess into perspective. It basically said this is like a shoe company who decides to open two stores, one for left shoes and the other for right shoes. They used to sell pairs of shoes for $20 but now each shoe cost $12. They are hoping the customer will only notice the price is $12 and not put 2 and 2 together and realize that what you used to get now cost $4 more. Basically, they think the public is DUMB and wont catch on to what they are doing. Clearly, everyone already has and to me this all seems like a desperate move.

Actually, I don't see that way at all. I see it this way - I want my morning paper delivered to me in the driveway every morning so I can read it while I drink my coffee. I also want a digital copy sent to my phone so I can read it on the plane. I understand they are two different services sent two different ways and I need to pay extra if I want two different subscriptions, or I just use one. Probably the one that charges less.

For the 'former' Netflix, licensing for streaming verses just sending a DVDs though the mail are different. Why should they have to pay a licensing fee to studios for people who only get DVDs? It's makes sense for them to sever the two companies.

Last time I went to movies it cost me over $32.00 in tickets alone. Netflix is still a great deal, even with the increase and I get to see way more than ONE movie.

[BigB08822]

Last time I went to movies it cost me over $32.00 in tickets alone. Netflix is still a great deal, even with the increase and I get to see way more than ONE movie.

The next time you see something even remotely resembling a new release on Netflix streaming be sure to let me know.

[hydro]

The next time you see something even remotely resembling a new release on Netflix streaming be sure to let me know.

It's true, but that's the fault of the studios -- they milk every last cent out of new releases as they can. First through DVD sales, then through OnDemand, then finally through deals with Netflix.

It's their content and they can do what they wish, but if you want the latest and greatest, expect to pay for it.

Netflix offers a cheaper solution for those of us who don't need to see new releases right away.

[BigB08822]

Oh, I know WHY Netflix can't have all the new releases, I am just pointing out the absurd comparison to going to the movies and paying $32. It is comparing apples and oranges. One is a brand new movie, on a huge screen with surround sound, comfy seats, stadium seating, etc etc etc. Netflix isn't trying to sell that kind of experience so of course it doesn't cost that kind of money.

[julieann]

The next time you see something even remotely resembling a new release on Netflix streaming be sure to let me know.

Netflix offers a cheaper solution for those of us who don't need to see new releases right away.

Oh, I know WHY Netflix can't have all the new releases, I am just pointing out the absurd comparison to going to the movies and paying $32. It is comparing apples and oranges.

You complain about the cost and now you want newest releases

How about they skip the movie theater altogether and drop the price to $3.00 a month?

Comparing streaming to DVD sending IS comparing apples to oranges, I think that is their point. Netflix provides an alternative service to movie theaters, Blockbuster, libraries, Redbox, movie channels or Wal-mart, whatever...you can either stay with them or cancel; it's your choice. Why complain when there are so many other alternatives?

[BigB08822]

I never complained about new releases. I was simply making a point about the previous posters comparison of MOVIE TICKET PRICES to Netflix. It's called sarcasm. How can I make this any more clear? You even quoted my explanation but clearly you didn't read it.

[MacMadame]

I just love how worked up everyone gets whenever a company changes anything.

[michiruwater]

Not everyone I'm happily watching Kramer vs. Kramer right now and I watched The American President a couple days ago and have a DVD of A Streetcar Named Desire sitting on top of my TV. I don't think there's any nearby video store that would have all 3. Some would probably be 0/3 because they're all relatively old films. I'm fine with paying $17 per month, though I think the split is pointless and stupid but oh well.

[tuffcaco]

Well, when Facebook changes things, I go with the flow. I pay nothing for it.

But these changes affect the way I use the Netflix services, which I pay for. Going forward, the Qwickster website will NOT be integrated with the current Netflix website. So you want to watch a movie that is not available in Netflix, you have to log in to a different website to see if they have it on DVD. This is a feature we're losing.

So basically we're paying more, but getting a crappier experience all around. Not a good move, Netflix!

[soxxy]

What part of the name Qwikster says "movies"? Whomever was in charge of the new company name should be fired. When I hear Qwikster, I automatically think of Napster and music.

At least Jason Castillo @Qwikster on Twitter is getting some action. The foul-mouthed youth who had been quiet since August 16 is apparently getting some $$$$ offers.

[Japanfan]

Netflix provides an alternative service to movie theaters, Blockbuster, libraries, Redbox, movie channels or Wal-mart, whatever...you can either stay with them or cancel; it's your choice. Why complain when there are so many other alternatives?

Well, I'm complaining because I don't want to pay a monthly fee when I don't watch movies every month. I want what I had before: the option to go to a video/DVD store, choose a movie for $6.00 (or less with certain promotions) and keep it for the allowed time. Bringing the movies back on time was never an issue.

Basically I want a per-view or per-movie option and that seems to be going out of fashion.

[Stormy]

A co worker pointed out to me today that Amazon Prime's membership comes with unlimited streaming as well as all the other perks that come with Amazon Prime. That's cheaper than Netflix and they seem to have a ton of content. Looks like a great alternative to me. Has anyone done this? Sorry it it was mentioned upthread and I missed it.

[Vash01]

What's not clear to me is do I need to cancel my Netflix membership and then sign up for Quickster, to avoid being charged for both DVD and streaming? I always watch DVDs and never watch streaming.