You may recall an article I recently wrote on the game-changing decision the movie-maven company, Netflix, had made to split up into two independently-operated companies: “Netflix” for the video streaming and “Qwikster” for the DVD rentals. However, in an effort to regain some of the customers lost, the company has announced that they will be maintaining a single website for both services.
Most say that the turnaround was due to the incessant stream of complaints aimed at Netflix for the three weeks following the announcement that made Netflix customers rethink their subscriptions.
In a recent statement, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “It is possible that we are moving too fast- it is hard to say.”
It was reported that almost one million subscribers left Netflix because of the split. However, for some customers, there is no longer a happy medium with the company, calling Hastings “topsy-turvy” due to his indecisiveness. Anyhow, some do applaud him for owning up to his mistakes.
In a blog post on the Netflix website, Hastings explained the new state of the company, “This means no change: one website, one account, one password… in other words, no Qwikster.”
Even though they will be maintaining Netflix for streaming and DVD rentals, the price will remain eight dollars for each service, which is a hike from the previous price.
Those customers that stayed faithful to Netflix will benefit from Netflix’s ever-expanding selection of streaming, including everything from TV series, Blockbuster dramas, sappy comedies, and Friday night horror films. Netflix has recently announced that a deal they have made a deal with DreamWorks and AMC Network for the streaming of both studios’ films.
When asked about the Netflix changes, Taylor Scanlan ‘14 stated, “I am ecstatic about the Netflix changes; I was not happy when I heard they would split off their services. I am also very excited about the new range and selections of options for streaming. I can’t wait for that!”