Netflix Planning to Rob God-Loving Americans

Honest-to-Gosh-Source

[list]Netflix has reported profits of $53m (£32m) during the first quarter of 2014, and revealed plans for a subscription price increase.

The internet video streaming firm said it added 2.25 million new members during the period, bringing its total global membership to 48 million.

It also announced a potential "one or two dollar increase" in monthly rates for new members later this year.

Shares in the firm soared more than 6% in after hours trading.

Chief executive Reed Hastings said the success of Netflix's original programming was behind its membership increase, in particular highlighting Kevin Spacey-led drama House of Cards.

He said that increasing subscription rates would help the firm "acquire more content and deliver an even better streaming experience."

However, despite the firm's strong results, he set himself a larger target.

"We are approaching 50 million global members, but that is far short of HBO's 130 million," he wrote in a letter to shareholders, pointing to the US cable television leader.

"We are eager to close the gap."[/list]

Kevin Spacey's success is costing us more money. Now I need a cost-of-Netflix paycheck adjustment to cope!

Read a book!

😂

Luddite!

Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Luddite!

What's the sarcasm level here? I need to know how to approach the topic. Because all I see is a company responding to market forces in a not-unexpected way, share holders responding favorably, and a reasonable window for people to get in before the new member tax is installed. And, of course, lurking in the background, the free torrenting option if you're actually miffed by this. Shall we raise the picket signs against strengthening one's brand and holdings?

It's a pretty modest pay hike from the sounds of it, but also an example of why it would be nice if Netflix actually had genuine competition (and I don't mean from torrents and such--there's a certain percentage of the population that will just never torrent, either from lack of awareness or moral compunctions.)

The most shocking news here is that apparently 130 million people pay for HBO. That's like Germany plus France.

Originally posted by Digi
What's the sarcasm level here? I need to know how to approach the topic. Because all I see is a company responding to market forces in a not-unexpected way, share holders responding favorably, and a reasonable window for people to get in before the new member tax is installed. And, of course, lurking in the background, the free torrenting option if you're actually miffed by this. Shall we raise the picket signs against strengthening one's brand and holdings?

Actually, the pay hike doesn't bother my wallet, but it would be better if they actually stopped renewing certain titles and added more to their streaming library rather than one or two series I can binge-watch.

Originally posted by Omega Vision
It's a pretty modest pay hike from the sounds of it, but also an example of why it would be nice if Netflix actually had genuine competition (and I don't mean from torrents and such--there's a certain percentage of the population that will just never torrent, either from lack of awareness or moral compunctions.)

The most shocking news here is that apparently 130 million people pay for HBO. That's like Germany plus France.

GoT is powerful shit.

Originally posted by Omega Vision
The most shocking news here is that apparently 130 million people pay for HBO. That's like Germany plus France.

Cable packages help. It gets bundled with all kinds of things, and people end up with it that don't necessarily watch it. Netflix has the tech advantage over a comparatively clunky competitor like HBO Go, but HBO has the corporate partnerships that Netflix doesn't have yet. Traditional TV may be dying, but it's a slow death.

Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Actually, the pay hike doesn't bother my wallet, but it would be better if they actually stopped renewing certain titles and added more to their streaming library rather than one or two series I can binge-watch.

I get that. But they're being incredibly strategic here with the new shows, imo. House of Cards was an enormous PR boost, and they have another advantage. Every show you watch, every movie you load, is a data point, and they have ALL of it. Forget Nielson ratings, Netflix can tell you your favorite actors, genres, and preferences. They can make HoC-style shows that appeal to the maximum number of subscribers, and can market it perfectly, because they know exactly what their subscribers like. There's a reason they're emphasizing that side of their service, even if their movie selections aren't uniformly great.

I rest my case.

Originally posted by Stealth Moose
...I rest my case.

Take up bagpipes and you will never have to wear pants. 😄

Netflix has decent competition from Amazon and Hulu. I think.

Originally posted by Digi
What's the sarcasm level here? I need to know how to approach the topic. Because all I see is a company responding to market forces in a not-unexpected way, share holders responding favorably, and a reasonable window for people to get in before the new member tax is installed. And, of course, lurking in the background, the free torrenting option if you're actually miffed by this. Shall we raise the picket signs against strengthening one's brand and holdings?

😛

Originally posted by Badabing
I'm surprised by this post Digi. Maybe you're not the Godless, communist, vegan, racist, mutant loving, Mac using blight of KMC I originally thought. mmm

😛

Try godless, capitalist, pescatarian, mutant-hating, Android-humping blight on KMC. As long as I'm still a blight, I'm doing my job.

biscuits

Originally posted by Digi
Try godless, capitalist, pescatarian, mutant-hating, Android-humping blight on KMC. As long as I'm still a blight, I'm doing my job.

biscuits

Originally posted by Digi
Try godless, capitalist, pescatarian, mutant-hating, Android-humping blight on KMC. As long as I'm still a blight, I'm doing my job.

biscuits

I used to follow and bug the PR peeps at Netflix but really stopped, over the years. I am willing to pay $20 a month for the current services I receive. Possibly even $30.

They just need to expand their available content AND their original content. If they do that, yes, I would be happy to pay $30 a month.

Originally posted by Stealth Moose
I rest my case.

This makes me think of your balls. Stop resting your balls.

Originally posted by dadudemon
I used to follow and bug the PR peeps at Netflix but really stopped, over the years.

Cos they pulled a Larry and stonewalled you.

Originally posted by dadudemon
I used to follow and bug the PR peeps at Netflix but really stopped, over the years. I am willing to pay $20 a month for the current services I receive. Possibly even $30.

They just need to expand their available content AND their original content. If they do that, yes, I would be happy to pay $30 a month.

This makes me think of your balls. Stop resting your balls.

They be hangin' so low bro.

Also, Amazon apparently signed a streaming deal with HBO, which should begin May 21st. No word yet if GoT is included; if it's not, I likely won't bother.

Considering House of Cards is over, I see no point in them raising the prices based off that show..