Netflix will cost more

I guess the difference is that I didn't see a bunch of advertising and I never had the DVD service.

I had Hulu+ for awhile, and then switched to Netflix streaming, and find the Netflix streaming selection to be significantly better. I didn't have the DVD service or advertising expectations to compare it to, so I'm happy with it.

 

The services are split into two, with the mail service now going with the name Qwikster. Also, hand-wringing apologies from CEO.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/story/2011-09-19/netflix-qwikster-dvd-streaming/50462706/1

Interesting that the streaming service, which is the far inferior option at this point and is struggling for any traction as content providers try to destroy them, is the one that keeps the Netflix name.

 

Got the email this morning and it totally baffles me. First the CEO embarrassingly apologizes saying they messed up. But you don't give me a price reduction or any real explanation of the factors, you give me a brand name change? That makes it better for all involved, including Netflix? Now I think they are slowly trying to kill their company. Or sell it off in pieces. Who are their advisers?

 

Oh boy is Blockbuster salivating right now.

 

Probably just because it makes more sense if your movie service that you stream over the internet is named Netflix, while your service that sends you DVDs in the mail (rather quickly, too) is named Qwikster, but I see your point.

The whole company is going to be out of business soon the way it's being run.

 

I think I'm telling the wife tonight that I'm done with Netflix. This is my last straw. Now I have to manage two queues on two different websites and I'm going to get billed separately? Sorry but I signed up for Netflix, not for some ragtag group of shattered companies.

 

I got the same email this morning and it's absolutely bizarre.

I'm somewhat interested in the video game option they claim is going to be available, but not sure I'm interested enough to pay extra for it. And apart from that...just bizarre. Also, Qwikster is a stupid name from Stupidville.

 

In addition to being a hassle, it's also a confusing brand in which there seem to be a million different variations. So that at least makes for good SEO:

http://techland.time.com/2011/09/19/qwikster-not-to-be-confused-with-quixtar-quickstar-kwikster-quickster-kwik-star-quik-star-or-kickstar/

Seriously, who thought this was a good idea and how long did they spend on it? Fourteen seconds?

 

I thought the same thing when I read my email this morning. If Netflix truly "messed up," why not take a cue from the New Coke fiasco and reverse the price hike/service split? The PR nightmare is bad enough as it is, why not give the consumers what they want?

Add me to the list of those who consider this the last straw and are jumping off the bandwagon.

 

If you happen to go with just the streaming option, are they going to let you switch to the DVD option in 2-3 months if you want?

 

Just got the apology e-mail. Definitely odd.

 

It feels like he dashed it off last night in a panic. Like a college sophomore rallying to finish a paper for a class.