Netflix reports first drop in subscriptions

[gand41f]

I'm planning to switch to BB, but was going to check the availability of BD's in store for a couple more weeks first (there are two BB's with BD's in my area). Netflix's web site has been down since last night. Maybe it's time for me to switch.

enjoy
gandalf

[BluBerry]

Originally Posted by monkyman

I use Netflix and i'm happy with it. The "local" blockbuster for me is still quite a way away from me.

I'm happy with my Netflix subscription. Their selection--particularly in foreign and independent films--has always been much more plentiful than Blockbuster.com. I should mention also that Blockbuster has a policy against stocking NC-17 rated movies.

[elwaylite]

I swapped to BB Total Access from Netflix after they made the BR announcement, have not looked back.

[LynxFX]

Originally Posted by ra1024

It's kinda funny to hear that after all the HD DVD fanboys made it sound like BB was nothing in the rental business and Netflix was the king.

Well BB was king and then this little online only company called Netflix started to chip away and their customers. It wasn't until BB noticed and said, hey let's go online too, before they started picking back up. Their online service sucked balls at first. Sometimes a week or more to get a movie. But they have been getting better and the ability to return instore is a huge advantage.

Netflix has been great for me so far, plus they have my movie available for rent. Look up Hurricane Strip. I won't consider BB until my local corporate stores carry BD. So far none do on this side of town.

Some marketshare numbers:
Blockbuster used to have something like 79% rental marketshare.
Now they are down to ~49% and Netflix is at ~19%. Going from memory from a recent article so those might not be exacts.

[Josh]

I just checked my Netflix account, and it dropped $1. Nice surprise after the sites been down all day.

[elwaylite]

They did that to match BB Onlines non total access prices, announced yesterday.

[msm]

I like netflix and do not like supporting a monopoly (BB) and what is the point on online rentals if you still have to go to the store? I hope netflix recovers...

[RedIsNotBlue]

Originally Posted by msm

I like netflix and do not like supporting a monopoly (BB) and what is the point on online rentals if you still have to go to the store? I hope netflix recovers...

You don't HAVE to go to the store it is a great option that you can choose to return them to the store if you want to exchange them for even more movies. If Netflix wants to compete they need to figure out a deal themselves. Like every month you renew your subscription you get credit for 5 free rentals or SOMETHING like that.

[supersix4]

love it can have a blu-ray for everyday of the week if I didnt already own alot lol

[smiley]

I switched from Netflix to BlockBuster for a few months. After being on blockbuster for a few months I realized how rare it was to get the movie at the top of my que and how annoying there so called costumer service people were I switched back to netflix. Wonder how many others will do the same.

[elwaylite]

Originally Posted by msm

I like netflix and do not like supporting a monopoly (BB) and what is the point on online rentals if you still have to go to the store? I hope netflix recovers...

You obviously don't know what total access is, it has nothing to do with going to the store.

[LynxFX]

Originally Posted by elwaylite

You obviously don't know what total access is, it has nothing to do with going to the store.

Being able to go to the store is the biggest reason for the success of Total Access. It is also the biggest feature pointed out in all of their ad campaigns. If they relied just on mailers, Netflix would eat them alive as their online severly lacks behind them so far.

[msm]

Originally Posted by RedIsNotBlue

You don't HAVE to go to the store it is a great option that you can choose to return them to the store if you want to exchange them for even more movies. If Netflix wants to compete they need to figure out a deal themselves. Like every month you renew your subscription you get credit for 5 free rentals or SOMETHING like that.

I know you don’t have to go to the store but just as LynxFX, it is a very big part of their marketing and what people say is the big plus. I agree that netflix should do something about offering some deals but I am very satisfied with the service I am receiving from them but a free movie here and there would be nice.

[elwaylite]

Originally Posted by LynxFX

Being able to go to the store is the biggest reason for the success of Total Access. It is also the biggest feature pointed out in all of their ad campaigns. If they relied just on mailers, Netflix would eat them alive as their online severly lacks behind them so far.

I understand why its a success, my comment towards the poster was in that manner because he said "what is the point on online rentals if you still have to go to the store".

His statement sounds as if its a requirement. Going in the store is just a perk, plus the free in store rental.

And having used both, I wouldnt say its "severly" behind.

[hughring]

Cripes thats alot of movies! I use Netflix. I dont need that many movies or the need to exchange 3 for 3 daily. The rate of my movie watching matches perfectly with Netflix shipping speeds. And the availability of BD's is really good.

[mshulman]

Originally Posted by LynxFX

Being able to go to the store is the biggest reason for the success of Total Access. It is also the biggest feature pointed out in all of their ad campaigns. If they relied just on mailers, Netflix would eat them alive as their online severly lacks behind them so far.

I noticed though that getting a movie in the store is subject to normal store rental policies, which seems to include late fees?

That's the reason I stopped using BB so long ago - For what I'd end up paying in late fees, I could have bought the movie.

And FYI - There was a major data center outage on the west coast - that's why netflix was down. Kind of disappointing to see one datacenter outage causes their whole site to go down, but they are still new. Maybe they'll get a better IT director now that will have them have 2 center in different geographical areas.