Coincidentally I began writing this post prior to Netflix’s recent stock dive of 15% and its statement that it expects to lose 1 million subscribers (9/15/11).
Well, it’s been almost two months since I cancelled my Netflix service. When Netflix announced it was raising prices on September 1, 2011, I decided it was time to support my local video store again. Admittedly I enjoyed Netflix’s video streaming for watching an array of movies I would normally not watch. And for the price, it was a heck of a deal.
However, Netflix should have grandfathered in older accounts and still offered bundled plans (streaming + DVD rentals) to them. This approach may have been worth trying first before disregarding all of its loyal customers. This was my main reason for cancelling Netflix. Sometimes you have speak with your wallet!
In addition, Netflix’s one month delay for renting new releases (from some studios) really annoyed me too. Also to note, Netflix’s new web interface (introduced earlier this year) with scrolling DVD covers and content was a total nightmare to use and find movies.
So as I mentioned, it’s been almost two months since I cancelled my Netflix service. Being a film buff, I thought I would miss it… I thought I would have withdrawal symptoms… I thought I would have nothing to watch, but that’s not the case at all.
I’m enjoying streaming movies at hulu.com, as well as rewatching my DVD collection and of course, renting new releases at my local video store. I forgot how fun it was to browse through shelves of DVD’s and stumble across a real gem.
I guess Netflix has to do what it needs to do to stay competitive. And I guess 1 million non-subscribers will help to spur along this competition, benefiting all of us movie watchers in the long run.
The End?
