Tag: Netflix

Wishful thinking

Posted on by Emilie Buckman

I am about to disclose an embarrassing, personal tidbit; if I am given the opportunity to a watch a television show, any show, consecutively by season it will increase my chances of being mildly addicted to it. Of course, Netflix is completely to blame for it.  For all its faults, having streaming seasons of shows is Netflix saving grace.

Now I am still a rational human being and the dwindling catalog, increasing fees, and bizarre marketing choices are a huge issue for me and so many others.  Unlike others I am not going to bash Netflix missteps. Instead I am going to look on the bright and see the potential Netflix has for the future. Contingent on the fact they still have streaming content from major networks, producing its own original programming can only help Netflix.

But I do have a suggestion for Netflix to build on.  In November, Netflix confirm they would revive the fiercely-loved but low rated Arrested Development and nerds everywhere rejoice. The hype behind Arrested Development has grown in its six year hiatus and in no small part to Netflix.  Netflix could a prime location for other fan-obsessed shows that get canceled from major networks and they could corner their own little niche market.  They’ll be the last beacon of hope for TV geeks and their fandom.

I’ll have to wait until 2013 to see if the new seasons draw in viewers. But if it does I seriously hope Netflix considers continuing with other great-but-canceled shows.  It would be phenomenal for their conflicted brand image.  Maybe this is just wishful thinking for me, TV nerd, and my beloved Community. (Well, this post is just full of embarrassing facts about me, isn’t it?) If NBC rashly cancels, Netflix could be the way to get their “six seasons and a movie.” But this is Netflix so they’ll find a way to ruin something!

Bad decisions by a company

Posted on by Brian Lee

One responsibility of a public relations or marketing department is to explain to senior management what the outcomes of any company decision would be. Usually, bad decisions can be stopped or altered in the pre-planning stages before it gets too late.

I can’t imagine this scenario was played out at Netflix. In July, it announced its DVD rental and streaming video services would be sold separately at $8 each. Netflix’s indifference toward its customers’ backlash led one analyst to say, “This would appear to illustrate that Netflix is simply not concerned with the prospect of losing customers.”

Customers will always have concerns over price increases, but Netflix had a double-whammy, as its streaming service also was being reduced (despite promises of increases). One or the other could have been tolerated over time, but not both.

In this AP article, it mentions Starz Entertainment ending negotiations (meaning fewer streaming options), and Netflix losing 600,000 customers from June to September.

Well Netflix, you’re getting what you deserve. Bad decisions for your customers always lead to bad outcomes for your company.