When I woke up this morning that last thing on my mind was canceling Netflix. I have been with the service for years and it’s one of those things I recommend to everyone. I remember when streaming started; I was a beta tester for Xbox live. I loved it. It was a key element in my decision for my upcoming TV purchase, I wanted one with Netflix built in. (I guess that will change)
A day ago someone on Facebook stated that they were pissed at Netflix because of a rate hike. The new hike separates the DVD service and the stream service. Initially, it didn’t bother me; I only use the stream service. However, I had to admit that it did seem unfair to me that if you pay for the stream you don’t get a better price on the red envelopes.
The stream service has a huge flaw. It rarely gets anything new. If you want new movies you have to have the DVD service. I don’t personally care about new releases but there have been a few times when I thought about picking back up the DVD service.
The news was flooded again this morning with more Netflix hate. I read on…
According to
MSNBC and other sources:
Steve Swasey, vice president of corporate communications for Netflix,
Said the reaction was “expected.” “We anticipated some folks were not going be happy with the change. It didn’t surprise us.”
He continued to say, “30,000 or so is a sub set of 23 million subscribers. They’re not speaking for the majority. But, their opinion is important and we value them.”
Well, that annoyed me a little. I personally felt it was a bit arrogant. Like, “look we are the biggest fish in the game you are just going to have to cope.” I saw that attitude with other companies and it’s a big turn off to me.
I then decided to look in my email. According to news reports, Netflix stated an email was sent out to tell users this increase was happening. Well, there was no email. The only place this announcement seemed to take place was here, on their
facebook page :
I thought about the situation for a while. I didn’t really care about the price. But reading the posts and Swasey’s quotes I thought about whether I could leave Netflix.
And I can. In fact it might be the best decision I have made in a while.
First, I pay for three streaming services already. One is Netflix, the second is Amazon Prime and the third is Crunchyroll. I had to get Crunchyroll because Netflix outright neglects its Anime section. It’s a great service and I find myself using it as often as, if not more than, Netflix.
Amazon Prime I have due to my shopping addiction on Amazon. I have been using the streaming service more and more.
Knowing I had the others made it a clear and easy decision. Show my dissatisfaction for the way Netflix has handled this by simply leaving.
I don’t know Netflix’s needs financially or their business model, so this price increase might be something they need. But not emailing me and just being so big business arrogant about it annoys me.
This seems to be the folly of new corporations when they reach the top and it’s a shame that it has to happen to a company I have loved and supported for years. But just like when I bought an Apple because I was mad at Microsoft then bought a PC because I was mad at Steve jobs, I will now be supporting Amazon and Crunchyroll over Netflix.
Like Obama I will be leading a campaign for change.
Think you can’t leave Netflix?
Check out these alternatives:
I know it was the old giant, but their “On Demand” service is very aggressive against Netflix. They have recently started to get movies to stream before they hit DVD. It’s worth looking into. Also, Blockbuster is very aggressive in its plan to be have its service built in to new televisions. I am very interested in seeing what happens with that.
Amazon Prime is amazing and it’s “value added.” I have it for shipping but the stream collection for films is almost the same as Netflix and growing. It’s a lot cheaper, too.
I don’t have a DVD player. But I know this service I big right now. I read up on it and it seems like a great service.
All of the above services and Netflix neglect this genre, anime. If you are an Otaku like me this is the best value for your money period.
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We’re sorry to say goodbye
Dear travis,
We’re canceling your membership just as you asked, effective Saturday, July 16, 2011.
We hope you enjoyed the service – and we’d love to have you back someday.
–Your friends at Netflix
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Koga Koalition