Netflix vs Blockbuster by Mail

[VINYLONE]

*f

 

[sirkickyass]

Gee, I wonder why?

Two main reasons:

1) They're amping up revenue to increase their streaming library.

2) The cost for them to deliver a film via streaming is about $.04. Contrasted with nearly $.90 (there and back) to deliver a movie by mail. If users watch the same number of films, but drop their subscription by one physical disc and transition to watching the equivalent of that extra disc via internet delivery, Netflix makes money on that trade-off. So they're willing to absorb the cost of people reducing their subscription amounts in response. It's not a coincidence they also rolled out the "streaming only" plan when they announced the increases in price.

Netflix continues to be one of the best managed companies in the US. Blockbuster continues to be the company that had the opportunity to purchase Netflix at less than 10% of their current market cap and instead are being put out of business by them.

 

[candrew]

Not certain what Blockbuster is charging these days. Keep in mind that Blockbuster recently filed for bankruptcy. If you make the switch and BB goes totally under you'll probably just have inherited a large amount of hassle in terms of switching twice without any real benefit.

Chapter 11 - to cut expenses, we'll probably see more of their stores disappear; but their online rentals will probably be around for a while.

And I'd like to thank Blockbuster for closing their store in my neighborhood - nothing like a huge eye sore in the middle of downtown. I can't wait to see what this country looks like when Wal-Marts start closing down by the hundreds.

 

[sirkickyass]

its a bunch of 1's and 0's its information.

its freely on the web. its not stealing if i take a bunch of 0's and 1's of the internet.

Do you also think it's ok to steal physical products because it's just a bunch of atoms?

The nature of piracy doesn't change just because the medium changes.

Do you also think it's completely morally defensible to download child pornography on the internet just because those images are just a bunch of 1's and 0's?

Your argument is transparently dumb and not sophisticated enough to fool a 12 year old.

 

[VINYLONE]

Two main reasons:

1) They're amping up revenue to increase their streaming library.

2) The cost for them to deliver a film via streaming is about $.04. Contrasted with nearly $.90 (there and back) to deliver a movie by mail. If users watch the same number of films, but drop their subscription by one physical disc and transition to watching the equivalent of that extra disc via internet delivery, Netflix makes money on that trade-off. So they're willing to absorb the cost of people reducing their subscription amounts in response. It's not a coincidence they also rolled out the "streaming only" plan when they announced the increases in price.

Netflix continues to be one of the best managed companies in the US. Blockbuster continues to be the company that had the opportunity to purchase Netflix at less than 10% of their current market cap and instead are being put out of business by them.

With a P/E of 70.49, I'm sure those are the only two reasons...

 

[LogGrad98]

Because stealing is subjective when the internet is involved.

Fixed.

 

[KatieMCR]

2 at a time plans:
Netflix - $17.99
Blockbuster - $16.99

3 at a time plans:
Netflix - $23.99
Blockbuster - $19.99

Those are the new rates for Netflix, and includes the Blu-ray surcharge.

Netflix includes unlimited instant streaming. Blockbuster does not.
Blockbuster includes video games. Netflix doesn't offer video games.

 

[VINYLONE]

Katie, is Redbox not available in your area?

 

[KatieMCR]

Katie, is Redbox not available in your area?

Yes, it's everywhere. I'm not a fan of it. I prefer the by mail approach. Also Redbox is signing deals with studios to delay new releases by 28 days just like Netflix. Blockbuster so far has not signed any such deals.

 

[VINYLONE]

Yes, it's everywhere. I'm not a fan of it. I prefer the by mail approach. Also Redbox is signing deals with studios to delay new releases by 28 days just like Netflix. Blockbuster so far has not signed any such deals.

If money is the issue, Redbox seems to make more sense...to a point. But I guess that all depends on viewing practices.

 

[Archie Moses]

Because stealing is wrong.

So is doing illegal drugs and bragging about it in jazzfanz chat.

 

[KatieMCR]

If money is the issue, Redbox seems to make more sense...to a point. But I guess that all depends on viewing practices.

I also don't like feeling like I have to watch a movie right away. With Redbox's $1/day approach, that's how I'd feel. I prefer to keep the movie as long as I want, and watch it at my convenience. That's the great thing about no due dates and no late fees.