Netflix goes from $7.99 a month to $16...WHAT??? by OPPYH

It's been coming for a while. The truth is, it was a great deal that was always going to be unsustainable. Those tracking the industry have been predicting this for months.

Netflix got a bunch of their streaming material for a song in their initial deals, because none of the studios saw much value in streaming. Now streaming has become a cornerstone of their business, and those deals are up. The studios are demanding as much as 10 times the licensing fees, so it's this, or they just stop the streaming service

It sucks, but it was always gonna happen, and will likely get worse, as the studios look to make more out of streaming as DVD revenue continues to fall.

At least it's cheaper now for those who want the disk only plan (if they're happy with just 2 at a time).

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 5:20 AM

GWEK

The problem with the original poster's plan is that Netflix favors the bold, not the cheap.

My family's current plan is streaming + 4 discs, for 27.99. Come September, that will go up to 29.98, for an increase of less than 2 dollars.

We generally watch 4 or 5 discs a week, so even without ANY streaming stuff, I'm still paying less than 2 dollars per movie (considerably less if we do 5 a week and throw in a few streaming). That's a good deal by 1995 standards.

As has always been the case with Netflix, the more you spend, the more you save, so I'm not at all surprised that they people getting only one disc at a time are getting rooked. Hey, sorry, but bump it up to 2 or 3 and you'll get more value for your dollar.

I mean, I'm not happy that I'm going to be paying a few dollars more a month, but I think it's well within reason. Heck, I was much more annoyed when they jacked my prices up by forcing me to pay for streaming video, whether I wanted it or not (at the time, I did not... and I still don't use it nearly as much as the discs, due to limited selection).

www.stillflying.net: "Here's how it might have been..."

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 6:28 AM

I'm not a netflixer but it really doesn't surprise me. They've taken over the industry and now the industry is going to stick it to them. If they're a good source of revenue then expect the studios to try to get every last drop out of them. It will be an interesting little dance as I'm sure no studios want their movies pulled from netflix, but at the same time if they all raise prices what can netflix really do?

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 7:01 AM

American Business SOP - charge more, offer less, and when folks jump ship, misuse the legal system against those they jump to, or the customers themselves, just business as usual.

Not to mention how customer service has gone from solving your problem to either stifling your complaint any way possible, usuall via the neverending phone tree, or outright blaming the customer for the failures of the company.

But this kinda thing, the eventual model that ALL media and communication businesses want is to stick you with is either pay-per-minute, or pay-per-view, and they'll just incrementally shove towards it - all the while throttling their "unlimited" bandwidth, screaming like damned souls when you actually *gasp* USE the service you paid for, oh-how-dare-you, and throwing in extra undisclosed fees or changing the terms of the deal midstream and then handing it to you as a fait accompli.

Games companies are much the same, often as not locking out half the content on the disk and offering it as "downloadable content" even though it's already ON the disk and they locked it out JUST so they could get your sucker arse to pay, and pay, and pay again, for something you already own - and on top of that now offering single player games which REQUIRE you to log to their "authentication" servers or whatnot, making your ability to play dependant on their greedy whim, oh yeah, that'll end well - just ask anyone who played Motor City Online...
(Which, they continued to ship and sell, MONTHS after wiping the game servers, mind you)

To which all of the above try to legally justify it by EULAs and multipage small-print agreements which amount to nothing, since every single one states they can change the deal in any way, at any time, and you have no recourse - even complaining about their ripoffs or poor service violates your end of the agreement... AND they all collude and use the same boilerplate so you factually CAN NOT get a more honest deal somewhere else.

So really, this is business as usual - and a good part of why I never got around to subscribing to netflix...
See, I seem to have bad luck on that kinda thing, if I hold off on something, and come back for it later, damn me but it's ALWAYS gone - the ephemeral nature of the internet irritates me somewhat like that, but with their model (streaming, cause I don't trust em to mail the CDs and they've been CAUGHT slowboating and backstacking people, mind you)
I am wholly dependant on THEIR whim for the content, and thus the content I desire may not be there when I get around to wanting to watch it, rendering my payment kinda wasted, yes ?

Whereas the shelf behind me, those DVDs will ALWAYS be there, at any time, and via the NON net-enabled player that ONLY I have access to, are subject to my will, and mine alone - don't need no one elses permission, approval, or authorization, which, while more expensive - although not much more cause I find some right good bargains, subverts the trap of being at someone elses mercy over something you DID pay for, and yet they have NO obligation to offer.
(read the fine print)

I'm something of an extremist about it, yeah - but having been bitten one too many times, I want content that *cannot* be arbitrarily revoked AFTER I paid for it.

-Frem

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 7:18 AM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)

I looked into signing up, but their streaming choices were so limited that I would have had to do DVD as well, and at that point it just wasn't going to be worth my while, so I didn't bother.

Instead, when I want movies, I go to my local indy-vid place and rent them. They have an amazing documentary section, and knowledgable staff who get to know you and your preferences and make recommendations based on that.

That, and they usually have a big blockbuster showing in the store, while staff and customers join in with their own zingers and one-liners, so it becomes kind of a walk-in Mystery Science Theater 3000. Last time I was there, it was the remake of "Clash of the Titans"; wow, what a bomb.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 7:48 AM

DREAMTROVE

Ol' bait and switch

That's what a ship is, you know - it's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fremdfirma:

American Business SOP - charge more, offer less, and when folks jump ship, misuse the legal system against those they jump to, or the customers themselves, just business as usual.

They're cost of operating is going up tenfold. How else are they supposed to stay in business? And how are they misusing the legal system?

I know it's the American way to complain at any cost increase, no matter the reasoning, but really.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 10:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
They're cost of operating is going up tenfold. How else are they supposed to stay in business? And how are they misusing the legal system?

I know it's the American way to complain at any cost increase, no matter the reasoning, but really.

Is the cost really going up that high to produce the content though or are the studios price gouging netflix?

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:05 AM

OPPYH

Quote:
Originally posted by Kwicko:

Instead, when I want movies, I go to my local indy-vid place and rent them. They have an amazing documentary section, and knowledgable staff who get to know you and your preferences and make recommendations based on that.

Amazing. I thought indy stores were extinct. The good one I had in my town folded in 2000. Four Blockbusters in town, three of them closed last year. The last holdout looks like a graveyard when I drive by.

----------------------------------------------------------------

70's TV FOREVER

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:06 AM

JAMERON4EVA

We need a Stone Cold Steve Austin to stomp a mudhole in there ass, and walk it dry! AUSTIN 3:16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Mom, he has her chip. He has her."
John Connor,"Born To Run", TSCC EP 2x22

"We mustn't over stimulate young minds. Das ist verboten!" - Rappy

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:09 AM

JAMERON4EVA

Quote:
Originally posted by Kwicko:
.

Instead, when I want movies, I go to my local indy-vid place and rent them. They have an amazing documentary section, and knowledgable staff who get to know you and your preferences and make recommendations based on that.

I have a little store called MOVIESTOP right by where i live XD.

"Mom, he has her chip. He has her."
John Connor,"Born To Run", TSCC EP 2x22

"We mustn't over stimulate young minds. Das ist verboten!" - Rappy

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 12:47 PM

It's pretty funny that at one intersection here there used to be a Blockbuster literally on each side. Finally one closed like 3 years back. I'm sure the other will close up shop in no time.

For major releases I've just been renting from the blockbuster express kiosks. There are free 1 night rental codes for those floating around all over the intertubes. I haven't paid to rent a movie in months.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 12:54 PM

KWICKO

Quote:
Originally posted by Zeek:
Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
They're cost of operating is going up tenfold. How else are they supposed to stay in business? And how are they misusing the legal system?

I know it's the American way to complain at any cost increase, no matter the reasoning, but really.

Is the cost really going up that high to produce the content though or are the studios price gouging netflix?

Quote I heard cited on the radio today was that when they inked the streaming deal last time around, they paid out something like $125 million for the rights to stream movies. Now Sony wants something like a billion dollars for the streaming rights to their movies, putting Netflix somewhat in a pickle.

And yes, I still have a few indy video stores available. Vulcan Video off South Congress is just the shit - they're awesome. Love 'em. Blockbuster around the corner from me is toast - they closed up shop a few months back.

I talked to one guy I know who Frem might be proud of - he buys pre-paid debit cards, pays cash for 'em, then goes and uses them to rent movies at RedBox - and then keeps the movies! I certainly don't condone such actions, but I had to snicker a bit when he told me about it, before telling him he's not quite right...

"Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservatives." - John Stuart Mill

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 1:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Zeek:
Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
They're cost of operating is going up tenfold. How else are they supposed to stay in business? And how are they misusing the legal system?

I know it's the American way to complain at any cost increase, no matter the reasoning, but really.

Is the cost really going up that high to produce the content though or are the studios price gouging netflix?

Studios.

Basically, no one had put much thought into streaming rights when Netflix started. They got a huge amount of content through a back-door deal with Starz which is expiring. That deal gave them access to0 several studios, which now want to charge individually - and they want between 5 and 10 times as much each as Netflix originally paid for the whole group. It adds up, fast.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 1:23 PM

Here's a breakdown of other streaming options available - but the short story is, Netflix is still the best deal right now, even with the price hike.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/13/netflix-price-increase_n_8970
37.html

Great quote in there:

Quote:
Seemingly overnight, Netflix has gone from "Can you believe we get this for $10?" to "Can you believe we have to pay $16 for this?"

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 3:40 PM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

I've been on the unlimited streaming + one disc at a time + Blu-Ray access for $11.99, so if I keep all that I would be paying 17.98. Other options are keeping the dvd service for 9.99 or the streaming for 7.99. If I stay with Netflix I will probably go with the dvd plan so I can get Blu-Ray discs. I've been streaming as much from HuluPlus as I have Netflix anyway.

Money is tight right now, so the most logical decision would be to drop all of it and just stream Hulu through my computer to my TV. I'm not even sure there is a dvd rental store in town anymore. I know Blockbuster is gone, so is Hollywood video. There might be some independents in outlying areas, and there are Red Boxes around, but I kinda doubt they do Blu-Ray, but I haven't considered them before now.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011 5:07 PM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht

Yeah, the only video store near enough for us to logically go is the last Blocbuster and I hope it stays open because I want options in life. If I want to go and brouse at the store and pick a video and talk to an actual videostore worker person then I should be able to do that. If I have a list of films that I want to get sent to me in a couple of days then that's what NetFlix is for.

My favorite sport is called streaming and so you can imagine my irritation, or maybe you can't, several years ago when they started using that word to describe watching things online. How dare they compare my favorite water activity to sitting in front of a screen. Errrrrrrrg. Oh well none of you will understand anyways. But if anyone wants to go real streaming with me to make up for it ...

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 3:45 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
Quote:
Originally posted by Zeek:
Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
They're cost of operating is going up tenfold. How else are they supposed to stay in business? And how are they misusing the legal system?

I know it's the American way to complain at any cost increase, no matter the reasoning, but really.

Is the cost really going up that high to produce the content though or are the studios price gouging netflix?

Studios.

Basically, no one had put much thought into streaming rights when Netflix started. They got a huge amount of content through a back-door deal with Starz which is expiring. That deal gave them access to0 several studios, which now want to charge individually - and they want between 5 and 10 times as much each as Netflix originally paid for the whole group. It adds up, fast.

Yes but the question is are they price gouging on those contracts or does it really cost that much more to produce the content now than when the first contracts were signed?

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 4:02 AM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

Quote:
Originally posted by Zeek:
Quote:
Yes but the question is are they price gouging on those contracts or does it really cost that much more to produce the content now than when the first contracts were signed?

No one is saying anything about the cost of producing the content. It's how much the studios are now charging Netflix for the rights to the content as opposed to how much they were charging when they began the streaming process.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 4:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
No one is saying anything about the cost of producing the content. It's how much the studios are now charging Netflix for the rights to the content as opposed to how much they were charging when they began the streaming process.

That's why I'm asking. Is the increase in the rights justified by a similar increase in the cost of production? If not then it's price gouging.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 7:19 AM

From Wired.
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/07/netflix-price-hike-anger/

Quote:
It’s not as if Netflix was struggling — profits were up 88 percent in the first quarter and, at the time of writing, the stock is up 66 percent in 2011. It’s also one of those companies whose customers really seem to like it. With its DVD price hike, Netflix seems to have wiped out a bunch of good will in one fell swoop.

This isn't the first time they've played bait n switch, or lied, either.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-netflix-enrages-subscribers-by-limi
ting-dvd-queue/
That one was a big middle finger for folks who use a PS3 or Xbox instead of a PC, mind you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netflix#.22Throttling.22_2
And of course, that how-dare-you-actually-USE-the-service kind of attitude, that was the deal breaker for me to begin with, if I pay you money for a service, and you start screaming like a damned soul when I USE it, then taking action against me for doing so...
You're a fekkin thief, and don't even have the decency to be honest about it.

-Frem

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Zeek:
Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
No one is saying anything about the cost of producing the content. It's how much the studios are now charging Netflix for the rights to the content as opposed to how much they were charging when they began the streaming process.

That's why I'm asking. Is the increase in the rights justified by a similar increase in the cost of production? If not then it's price gouging.

There hasn't been a huge swell in production cost, no. It goes up gradually, but nothing drastic. So, if it's gouging, it's coming from the studios.

But the flip side to that is, the rights for streaming were vastly undervalued. They're probably asking too much now, granted. But a price increase of some degree is justified just because they were not getting what it was worth to begin with.

I'm thinking there has to be some middle ground, but I don't think the studios want to find it. They're rather kill Netflix anyway, and have you pay them directly. Which will likely happen next - Sony and Disney are already looking at setting up their own proprietary streaming services. The others will follow suit, especially since the studios invested in Hulu are trying to sell of their interest in that now.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fremdfirma:

From Wired....

Rather telling that they don't mention the higher costs the company is facing. So many sites more interested in whipping up the excitable than looking at the whole picture.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
Quote:
Originally posted by Zeek:
Quote:
Originally posted by ecgordon:
No one is saying anything about the cost of producing the content. It's how much the studios are now charging Netflix for the rights to the content as opposed to how much they were charging when they began the streaming process.

That's why I'm asking. Is the increase in the rights justified by a similar increase in the cost of production? If not then it's price gouging.

There hasn't been a huge swell in production cost, no. It goes up gradually, but nothing drastic.

But in this case, the rights for streaming were vastly undervalued. They're probably asking too much now, granted. But a price increase of some degree is justified just because they were not getting what it was worth to begin with.

Sounds like a good strategy. Let Netflix build up a customer base and then move in for the kill. They either have to piss off their customers by removing the feature or eat the cost.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 8:45 AM

Yeah, more or less (though I edited and expanded my prior comment).

Netflix proved to them that there was an audience for streaming, something they were reluctant to embrace before. Now that they know there's value in it, they're going to either ride Netflix for all they can, or drive it into the ground to soak up that audience with no middle-man.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:36 AM

TWO

The Joss Whedon script for Serenity, where Wash lives, is Serenity-190pages.pdf at www.mediafire.com/folder/1uwh75oa407q8/Firefly

Netflix swears up and down that higher costs of the new studio contracts for streaming video have nothing to do with the price change. Netflix was not able to fulfill the requests for old-fashion DVDs at a price of $2.00 per month. DVDs are a separate business unit from internet streaming video and DVDs must make its own profit. - http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/14/why-netflix-raised-its-price
s/

“Pay $8 for unlimited streaming—and get one DVD for $2 more!” would have put the DVD side of Netflix out of business.

The Joss Whedon script for "Serenity," where Wash lives, is
Serenity-190pages.pdf at www.mediafire.com/two

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:41 AM

Of course. Because companies never spin with press releases. I'll take math over PR until I see something more convincing.

I'm sure there are several factors at play here, but the licensing fees they're paying going up by hundreds of millions isn't as insignificant as they want to make it seem.

You might notice that even the author of the article says their excuse doesn't add up. Did you read past the first couple paragraphs?

I do agree with the bit at the end. The increase equates to the cost of a latte. People need to unbunch their panties, it's hardly the end of the world.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:50 AM

DMI

Expired, forgotten, spoiled rotten.

Quote:
Originally posted by Kwicko:
Instead, when I want movies, I go to my local indy-vid place and rent them. They have an amazing documentary section, and knowledgable staff who get to know you and your preferences and make recommendations based on that.

That's what I did when I lived in Tallahassee, but there ain't shit for video stores around where I live now, so I went with Netflix.

I'd like to applaud my fellow browncoats here for a nice, civil and rational discussion of the news as opposed to the baby-want-another-bottle filth being spewed out here: http://blog.netflix.com/2011/07/netflix-introduces-new-plans-and.html

It was a great deal while it lasted and I will continue to enjoy it for a slightly higher price. I get the 1 DVD + streaming option and that's good enough for me. Sure the streaming selection could be better, but that's why I get the DVD and still pay for cable (although if it weren't for sports, I'd probably drop that last one).

-----------------------------
I pray for one last landing,
on the globe that gave me birth.
Let me rest my eyes on the fleecy skies
and the cool, green hills of Earth.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:51 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
It's been coming for a while. The truth is, it was a great deal that was always going to be unsustainable. Those tracking the industry have been predicting this for months.

Agreed. I am only surprised that the increase did not come sooner.

We cancelled Comcast when they hit us with their latest semi-annual cable increase, driving our cost over $85.00 / month. We signed up for both Netflix and Hulu Plus streaming over out Xbox 360 for a total of $15.99 / month. While we may not have immediate access to some shows we have more than enough to watch to keep us happy and for a heck of a lot less. We can always catch current stuff online if need be.

__________________________________________
Holding the line since December '02!

X.O. / Battalion O.I.C.

http://76thbattalion.homestead.com/index.html

http://76thbattalion.proboards.com

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:31 AM

I'd love to drop my cable entirely, but my broadband service is through Comcast. It's either pay an extra $35 for basic cable, or pay a $25 dollar penalty fee for not having it. Might as well get something out of it.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:38 AM

RIONAEIRE

Beir bua agus beannacht

What surprises me is the idea that anyone is surprised about this. Seems like typical fair in life, everything that seems too good to be true probably is.

I like having physical DVDs (or VHSs for that matter, we still tape things with our VCR on SLP off of the TV) and putting them in the player and watching them.

"A completely coherant River means writers don't deliver" KatTaya

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 1:46 PM

Erk, I forgot to add that last time, my bad.

You make good point, Story - but Netflix needs to both bring that to the fore, and show the numbers, such as is possible, given their previous credibility issues when they lied about throttling till it was proven against them, and then grudgingly admitted it, you see.

And it woulda been a lot smarter to do that up front than what they did.

Now Comcast, hoo boy, you don't wanna get me started, I have enough dirt on them to throw some of em in jail, if anyone with the power and authority around here had the guts to do so - did you know they once took out a full page ad in Farmington DEMANDING the locals recall the mayor for not giving them monopoly rights, and responded with an extended punitive "maintanence" (during which no maintanence was done, and they still billed for the time!) outage when the locals told them to shove it ?
And that ain't even the HALF of what they've done here... TGSHELL.EXE/TGCMD.EXE, and VBS Scripts, and keeping an archive of your complete browsing history, address books, and bookmarks in a seperate location on your PC, which was transmitted/updated to them by those two programs in the wee hours of the morning...
Oh I could go on and on.

-Frem

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 1:53 PM

TWO

The Joss Whedon script for Serenity, where Wash lives, is Serenity-190pages.pdf at www.mediafire.com/folder/1uwh75oa407q8/Firefly

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
Of course. Because companies never spin with press releases. I'll take math over PR until I see something more convincing.

I'm sure there are several factors at play here, but the licensing fees they're paying going up by hundreds of millions isn't as insignificant as they want to make it seem.

You might notice that even the author of the article says their excuse doesn't add up. Did you read past the first couple paragraphs?

I do agree with the bit at the end. The increase equates to the cost of a latte. People need to unbunch their panties, it's hardly the end of the world.

Netflix is never going to tell us exactly how the $10 was split between streaming and DVD, but I can guess.

Netflix splits your $10.00 per month between the DVD unit and the internet streaming unit, depending upon how many video copies each unit distributes per month in North America. You knew that Netflix is now the largest single source of internet traffic in North America and will be getting larger. http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/17/netflix-largest-internet-traffic/

Because Netflix is streaming more internet video than mailing DVDs, the streaming part of Netflix is getting more money than the DVD part of Netflix. I am going to pretend I know the ultrasecret number is $8 to Netflix internet for every $2 that goes to Netflix DVD. Netflix said Netflix DVD will go out of business unless it gets more than $2. So the price for streaming plus DVD must go up.

The Joss Whedon script for "Serenity," where Wash lives, is
Serenity-190pages.pdf at www.mediafire.com/two

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 2:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Fremdfirma:

did you know they once took out a full page ad in Farmington DEMANDING the locals recall the mayor for not giving them monopoly rights...

-Frem

Which Farmington would this be? As there are a few, but that's never happened in mine.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 4:49 PM

This one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmington,_Michigan

Mind you, local politics around here is both extraordinarily strange, and downright nasty, case in point ole Elmer "FUD" Parraghi, who wound up in THIS bizarre situation after a knives-drawn confrontation in the parking lot.

Quote:
Sumpter Township, Mich., Supervisor Elmer Parraghi, 74, and Finance Director Dwayne Seals, 35, habitually, viciously feuding about business issues, recently obtained judicial restraining orders against each other, even though both work in a four-office building.

Mind you, right after voting to continue accepting Canadian trash in spite of 90%+ of Sumpter being against it, was recalled in an election where more folk showed up to throw him out, than ever did to vote him in.

And Comcast, and others, are in it up to the neck, when one ISP (Flashnet, I think) moved into town, the very same day they went in service, someone "accidently" wrecked ALL THREE of MercNets triple rendundant lines, which everyone involved knew was no accident, not when they drove a bobcat up there just to do it.
(three guesses who the subcontractor who owned the bobcat was working for at the time)

-Frem

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Thursday, July 14, 2011 5:29 PM

Ah, okay, I'm in a Farmington, so you can see how I was thrown for a sec.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Friday, July 15, 2011 1:12 PM

REDLAVA

Not to happy with the increase, but it is still better than anything else that is out there. Hopefully this increase in price will help make way for more and better choices in the streaming department.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011 11:52 AM

SHINYGOODGUY

The studios are demanding as much as 10 times the licensing fees, so it's this, or they just stop the streaming service

You're right, the studios are milking it for all it's worth. But I sense that they have an ulterior motive - drive Netflix out of business and make the profits directly. Just a thought!

SGG

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Sunday, July 17, 2011 1:44 PM

GREENKA61

I really loved Netflix, but I'm not paying for price gouging. I'll discontinue their "service" when my month is up in August - after all, I can borrow all of the movies and video games I want for free from the local library.

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Monday, July 18, 2011 7:31 AM

STEGASAURUS

It's easy to call it "price gouging" when more money is being asked of you. However, it appears that the studios are simply asking for their fair share. They were getting a pittance when Starz had the rights to show their movies. No one that I know actually "buys" the Starz channel. Usually it's bundled into a three or four channel premium pack. But when Netflix bought the rights to stream Starz content, the amount of viewing went up, but the studios were still only receiving their pitance they had agreed with to Starz. Basically with Netflix, Starz got HUGE bump in viewership. I'd be upset if I were the studios too.

However I am a tad upset with the spinning that Netflix is putting on it. They are labeling it as "Streaming with 1 (or more) DVDs. I am old school Netflix. My plan was "1 DVD with Free Streaming" and they just brushed my package under the run and act like it never existed. I've switched to streaming only, but may just do away with that and go with Hulu. I haven't decided yet.

-Steg

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Monday, July 18, 2011 7:44 AM

GREENKA61

I'm sorry, but when Netflix saves a fortune on postage by getting people to video stream, and then raises the prices anyway, that is price gouging.

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Monday, July 18, 2011 8:05 AM

STEGASAURUS

But you don't know (and may never know) what's going on behind the scenes. They are not going to point the finger at someone else, because that someone else could just simply pull their business. When we raised our prices at a store I used to work for, we were told to tell the customers that it was simply an industry standard change. We were not allowed to say what the real reason may have been (rent increase, power bill increases, vendor charges, manufacturer charges, etc). That's just not how business is done.

Besides, since you're talking siply about the streaming, they actually reduced their price. It's 7.99 for streaming, when (according to them) it was 8.99 and then 9.99 for streaming - oh, and a DVD.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about the price change. But I can understand it.

-Steg

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Monday, July 18, 2011 8:14 AM

There's also, as I learned from asking a few subscribers I know, and personal experience yesterday, technical-reliability issues.

The latest has been mildly publicized, but when visiting my ex and her new husband yesterday, half the damn service seemed to be out, unavailable, or screwed up, and the few things we did try to watch wound up dropping in the middle, restarting, and all amount of other hassle - to which I commented "and you still pay them ?" and they shrugged it off, telling me that happens all the time, erk.

Could be local, but again, if I pay for a service, and you fail to provide it then bill me anyway...
You're a thief.

-Frem

I do not serve the Blind God.

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Monday, July 18, 2011 12:24 PM