Daniel and I had been talking about dropping Netflix over the weekend. We weren't using the streaming, and we each had different reasons. We both admitted that a large part of the problem is our lifestyle. This we can't blame on Netflix. We just don't have the time or energy to commit to a full movie. We've found that the 30-45 minutes it takes to watch a show on Hulu is just about right for us anymore. We can squeeze that in before I pass out from exhaustion on the couch after a hard day at work, and Daniel can still have time to get out to do his running. Movies are now reserved for those long weekends when we have time to relax. Ha! I wonder when that is.
Truth be told, we spent more time browsing the selections than watching the actual movie. That may be an exaggeration, but it may not be much of one. I do remember one night we looked for an hour, then gave up and went to bed. Daniel claims that's because there was too much of a selection and he wanted to find the best choice. The truth is neither of us really saw anything that caught our attention. And, the deeper truth is we were too busy gabbing at each other and with the girls. Our hearts weren't really into watching a movie.
I think our interest in Netflix has been going downhill since we started working out and eating right. We don't seem to want to park ourselves in front of the TV all night long anymore. Now we have to figure out when to fit that in with everything else we are doing. It's awesome, and again not the fault of Netflix.
What is the fault of Netflix is the way they are communicating with their customers. When the company first started up, they were FANTASTIC. They were truly a company that seemed to care about their customers and what the public wanted. Now they seem to be operating under the premise of "it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission." Yes, it is their company to run as they wish. However, the public has clearly spoken. For the first time in Netflix history they are losing more customers than they are adding. That should really tell them something. Suddenly this formerly stable and unique company is nothing special. They don't offer savings because they seem to be offering thrift store merchandise at retail prices. I'm sorry, but streaming three month old movies is not going to catch the attention of customers. I can go to my local library and borrow those for free. And I do!
So, Netflix, our journey was fun while it lasted. Unfortunately you seem to be taking a step backwards. Too many companies have grown up around you, and you haven't done anything to stay ahead of the pack. It's really too bad. I think you had a fabulous idea when you first started mailing those red envelopes. I truly hope you find the next big thing and can make a come back. As for now, Hulu has my vote.
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