BlockFlix?
from the copy-cats dept
After quite a lot of talk, it looks like Blockbuster is finally launching their Netflix wannabe service. From the description, however, it sounds like it needs a lot of work. First of all, it really is just a me-too offering. They are barely trying to leverage the one great advantage they have over Netflix: all those stores. Part of the deal does include the ability to rent two movies a month at a local Blockbuster store, but that's about it. They're hoping to (one day) use the local stores as distribution centers for the movies, but that's a ways off (and it's not entirely clear if that would be particularly efficient. The current stores clearly aren't set up as rapid shipping depots. Netflix also points, correctly, to the massive number of reviews they offer, which is clearly a draw for some users. Still, if Blockbuster were really trying to knock Netflix out of the game, why just copy what's there? Why not go one step further to give people a real reason to change from the status quo? Sure, it may take away some users from Netflix, but it's a weak overall offering.
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
No Subject Given
I'd at least give it a try Mike before knocking it.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: No Subject Given
At least they've caught up, but shouldn't they try to offer something more?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: No Subject Given
But since I originally posted the see what they are before knockign them, I signed up for the free month offer, and well it is FAR FAR lacking behind netflix. First off it has listings for tv shows, but most of them say "Coming Soon", which if you look at the meaning, it means on order or not available for rental yet [i'm talking shows like nip/tuck, etc]. I tried to add for the heck of it Days of Thunder, it has a long wait, futurama long wait, pretty much most things I chose had a long to short wait. So yes, I am not impressed, and I will not be switching away from netflix anytime soon, so yes they are laggig behind netflix. Though their interfaces is simmilar, ratings, recomendations, categories, etc. Blockbuster does have better categories [i can look in action-> swashbuckling for instance, which i thought was funny].
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
I'm a netflix customer and have/had been extremely happy with them up until the last month or two. My movies are showing up a day or two late now whereas they used to always be on time and generally a day ahead of schedule.
I haven't switched ... yet .. but a 'me too' service would be adequate if Netflix doesn't return to it's customary level of service (for me).
That said, BB will probably not be much/any better BUT at least I'll save a couple of dollars.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Netflix
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Netflix
I second greencine. I looked at netflix (but never subscribed, because their selection looked as bad as blockbuster's).
greencine has a huge martial arts inventory (and supposedly one of the biggest anime, but I'm not really into anime).
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Games
I think the missing puzzle piece and winning strategy is the 4 for 20. Back when Netflix gave you four DVD's for $20 bucks a month I thought their service kicked ass and recommended it absolutely everyone, but all the new price models are comparatively weak IMO and don't carry forward the right balance. When they are the only game in town, well they could afford to take advantage but with things heating up they need to get back to basics before somebody eats their lunch.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Subject Given
I would not consider a mail based service, BB or NF... I'll stick to the in-store service.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]