... NETFLIX just makes everything so much easier ... and fun! Netflix started a revolution twenty years ago that is still on-going, getting bigger and better with each new day. Now watching TV, "catching" a movie, or any online viewing are all an effortless breeze. Diana and I have been fans of Netflix pretty much from the beginning and earlier this year I was lucky enough to be selected to participate in (and work with the team) celebrating 20 years of Netflix. And, since the early 2000s when Netflix was just "taking hold," we've have been subscribers, both for online viewing and the "mailed" DVDs. Getting Netflix led to us "kill cable TV," saving well over $20,000 (and still counting). So, we're "here" to spread the word about Netflix ...
Without Netflix, you're not maximizing
what you see or easily could be enjoying!
America's Premier Unknown Writer!
There is nothing else like Netflix. Nothing comes close for intuitive, ease of use. That's because Netflix works the way you think, so from the minute you first start working with Netflix, you already know exactly how to use it!
It's not just that Netflix, like the Beatles, changed our lives and the world (continuing to do so). Netflix revolutionized how we "look at things." While "the other guys" (and new comers) are constantly trying to provide something better (all to beat) Netflix, that just isn't going to happen. Netflix is now well over 130 million subscribers all over the globe ... with more "joining in" every day.
Netflix has two main factors that set it apart from everyone else. It is customer centrix in that it works and functions the way you think it should. And, Netflix makes finding and watching what you want effortless. If you ever have questions or need help with something, Netflix has the best - second to none - customer service (and tech support) for anything (anything at all) that you need help with!
Our sole (and soul) purpose here is to "put it all in one place" just what Netflix is and how it changes EVERYTHING! We're going to "maps things out" for just how Netflix has become so much a part of our lives. So, yes, there is narative here, but also photos, reviews of what we liked watching best, and, well, "all things Netflix!"
To get started, here is a link about the founder of Netflix ...
How many times do you find yourself just "clicking away" with your TV remote to "see what you can find" to watch?
It's a common "grazing syndrome" with cable TV in that you just "wander aimlessly" from channel to channel looking for something to watch ... and, so often there is no "there" there and you just settle on something, anything to basically (and passively) "kill some time," all with a jaw slightly ajar, monosyllabic stare "at the tube!"
That's why we killed cable TV well over a decade ago. We not only have saved $20,000 (and still counting), we now "watch TV" with a sense of purpose ... to watch exactly, precisely what we want to watch.
And, it’s all because of Netflix!
When Diana and I first realized we were "just watching anything" we found to watch (usually after tirelessly clicking and clicking the remote to find something), we started keeping a diary of what we watched. We tracked what we liked to watch and how often we actually watched shows/movies we liked. We also kept track of what we didn't like and so much of what we discovered we truly hated, along with so much nothingness that made up a good portion of our viewing time.
We did this at the point we started subscribing to Netflix in the early 2000s. This was also the point we really questioned, "Why are we spending over $200 a month for so much of what we never even watched, especially all of the channels 'thrown in' that we didn't even care about?"
It didn’t take long for us to realize we were watching a whole lot of Netflix (the DVDs and the Netflix online options which are considerably quite A LOT). We also found that once we hooked our TV to a computer, we were watching an abundance of online content THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR (most without commercials). And, we were amazed to discover that just about all TV shows are available online, too. Combine those viewing options with YouTube for concerts, clips from late TV shows (all without commercials), and so much more ... it didn't take much to convince Diana and me that we no longer needed cable TV.
So, we killed cable TV!
That led us to set aside more than $150 a month in what we call our "Mad Money" envelope where the money added up FAST, month after month! All while we were pleasantly surprised to find that we didn't miss cable TV at all! The money we saved added up so fast that we soon paid cash for our monster large screen TV (complete with a killer home theater surround sound system). Oh, yea, and our monthly cable TV bill? Fifty bucks a month for hi-speed internet, because that's all we (and, probably YOU) need. We even have an Internet phone (VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol). When we first got our Internet phone just after the Millennium, people thought we were nuts, but now phone services via the Internet are pretty much common.
Simply for these Top Ten Reasons Netflix is right for YOU:
#10
– You never have to put up with going to a movie theater (and all of the people who don't know how to behave) again!
#9
– Whatever you want to watch comes right to you, thanks to Netflix (either with the DVDs by mail or online).
#8
– You don't waste time looking for things to watch because you "map out" your viewing options.
#7
– You then start doing a whole lot of other things instead of "sitting in front of the TV" for hours on end searching for and watching NOTHING AT ALL.
#6
– When those red Netflix envelopes show up in your mailbox, you just smile knowing exactly what you'll soon be watching.
#5
– You discover so many things to watch that you might not otherwise have seen, because Netflix opens up a whole new world of viewing options ... all in a so-easy-to-use, intuitive format.
#4
– If it turns out you don't like something you're watching on Netflix, you just kill it and move on to the next item in your queue. If you had gone to the movies, you'd just be "out" the time and the money (where the cost of going to see one movie is an entire month's subscription to Netflix, online and with the DVDs).
#3 – Your TV (or watching things on your computing device or smartphone) now truly becomes an enjoyable experience where you "watch stuff" with a sense of purpose.
#2 – You maximize your time (and your life) by watching whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want ... with or without whomsoever you want.
#1 – Netflix, (especially "binge watching") is exactly what you needed, that you didn't even know you wanted, and it just makes EVERYTHING so much more fun ... and easier.
Here are links to find out more about Netflix, the 20th anniversary celebration, and how to sign up:
You need to know (as required by the FTC) I am part of the DVD Nation Team that is promoting the 20th anniversary of Netflix and there are rewards from DVD.Netflix.com for those of us helping promote what Netflix does in providing thousands of viewing options to choose from, that you can get with a DVD subscription mail service as well as via Netflix streaming services (which has “tons” of original content you can’t find anywhere else).
It is important to note that I jumped at the chance to be part of the DVD Nation Team to promote Netflix for the 20th anniversary celebration, because, simply put, right from the very beginning, Diana and I have been huge fans of Netflix. We have been "selling" Netflix since we first subscribed to Netflix in 2004. That was when we stopped going through the horrid experiences (and costs, and time, and annoyances) of enduring movie theaters. We killed cable TV shortly thereafter. We were part of the Netflix team testing and pioneering online viewing/streaming in 2006.
Since we first discovered Netflix's magic (and it is magic, if you really think about it), we have told countless people this: "Try Netflix for a month and if you don’t like it, we'll personally give you your money back." In all that time, no one has ever asked for their money back. In fact, most people we have nudged into trying Netflix not only thanked us for it, they, too, have become “soldiers in the field” telling others about how amazing, convenient, and effortless Netflix makes “going to the movies.” There are now over a hundred million Netflix subscribers worldwide! And, that number continues to grow!
While the movie theater experience way of "seeing a movie" still is an often-used option, just think about the magic of Netflix ... and, how it has changed things so very, very, VERY much in our lives. When you see that innocent looking red envelope in the day's mail, you just smile, as that envelope loudly proclames "time for the movies!"
Could anyone ever have imagined that movies would come right to you ... either through the mail or with online viewing? There are two separate options with Netflix, both very affordable and true bargains. One is for the actual DVDs "coming and going" via mail and one is for Netflix online to view on any digital device with Internet service.
And, before we go any further (or farther), we need to look at one extremely important aspect of how Netflix has radically, for the better, changed things (as well as saved you A LOT of money). This is just one of the many advantages of Netflix. Okay, so you pay the $30, $40, $50 (or more) for an outing to go see a movie. If the movie is bad, you're OUT for the cost (not to mention how many odd and/or antagonistic movie theater "episodes" you truly want to forget about, though some do manage to haunt you now and then).
The cost of having seen that one bad movie more than covers an entire month's subscription to Netflix for both the online and DVD subscriptions. So, if any Netflix DVD or online movie is horrid or not what you expected (or wanted), no big deal. You just "kill it" and move on to the next one ... all at no extra charge! And, all without ever having had to endure the trappings of a movie theater experience as well as "being out" for the cost (time and trouble, along with wear and tear, even dings to the car doors) to see just one bad movie!
Though it tends to get overlooked and not discussed much, Netflix has great beneficial and informational values that far surpass movie theaters (or even HBO, Showtime, and other cable offerings). It all has to do with what is being offered. For Movie Theaters, you're pretty much talking new, re-issued movies, or special showings. On cable and regular TV, you're still faced with what they have decided to make available, as well as waiting "week to week" for episodes of your favorite TV shows. With Netflix, you're talking an almost endless supply of movies, documentaries, concerts, TV shows, plays, interviews, and just about anything you'd ever want to watch. Oh, and, that includes the classic "old" movies and TV shows, too. Even foreign and silent films! They're all "right there" for you to choose from and watch whenever you want.
Another truly most amazing (and magical) part about "all that stuff" on Netflix from the past and present, including so much that you might not otherwise have seen (or even thought about looking for), it's all listed right there with Netflix for you to easily and intuitively browse through. There are categories to make it simpler for you to find exactly what you want. They even have the Netflix Top 100 where you can discover even more options you might otherwise have missed out on. The Netflix rating system is a great way to zero in on what interests you the most.
It doesn't get talked or written about very much. Actually, it is rather taken for granted, but we need to talk about and emphasize Netflix’s incredible customer service. You're going to have questions, or you'll wonder about something you haven't quite figured out. Anything at all on your mind about Netflix, all you need to do is call 800-585-8018 (it's listed at the bottom of every page on their web site). That's where you'll get "tech support" that sets the standard for the way things ought to be done for assisting customers. The wait time is never longer than a minute or two. Netflix’s customer service team is friendly, helpful, courteous, very smart, savvy, and always, always, ALWAYS takes care of whatever needs to be done. With the "other guys," it's a whole different, sad story and, in many cases, quite limited or non-existent.
Netflix really did start with Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, returning Apollo 13 late to a video store in 1998. Reed's frustration of having had to pay a $40 late fee then provided a direct route for him that led to what then became Netflix. And, it wasn't "smooth sailing" to launch Netflix and keep it going. In fact, early on, Reed wanted to partner with Blockbuster Video (this being when there were Blockbuster Video stores everywhere). Blockbuster passed on the offer with the irony of that being that once Netflix really caught on (in spite of and without Blockbuster as their number of video stores dwindled), Blockbuster ultimately filed for Bankruptcy in 2010. This all as Netflix was (and continues to be) a global phenomenon.
The brilliance of Netflix’s business model incorporating the US Postal Service's infrastructure for DVDs "to and from your mailbox" (a model Amazon.com and others have also capitalized on) is yet one more feature of how convenient it is to "go to the movies" with Netflix. You don't even need to leave your house. It's all right there for you - effortlessly. You can watch Netflix online on your TV, any computing device, and even your smartphone (why people do that, I'll never know). Roku and so many other alternatives to cable TV have Netflix options built in. In many cases, the remotes have a Netflix button! Some cable companies have even incorporated Netflix into their viewing options.
Netflix makes it so easy to view anything that all you have to do is decide what you want to see ... and then watch it. You can pause what you're watching or even come back later and pick up right where you left off ...
... all from your most favorite, comfy spot.
Right here is where I need to make an editorial comment about the case for jettisoning cable TV. Diana and I killed cable TV long ago. All we (you) need is the hi-speed Internet service for about fifty bucks a month. Since we got rid of cable TV, we've saved over $150 a month. We set aside that amount each month now for what we call our "Mad Money Fund." Saving all that money over several years of no cable TV (which we have never ever felt we even "miss it") paid for our 80-inch, monster TV and home theater system, among so many other things.
We have saved $20,000 (and counting) since jettisoning cable TV.
We just don't (and you might not either) see the need for cable TV with Netflix, YouTube (for concerts, interviews, keeping up with late night TV, news, and so much more), Roku (if you don't have one, GET ONE), and switching to our antenna for "regular" TV (which we hardly ever do, because who wants to watch commercials?!?!).
You can easily do what we did to find out just how much (or how little) you need cable TV. We kept a log of what we watched and rated just how much (or little) we liked what we were watching. We also looked for (and capitalized on) other ways of watching things. Like with most TV shows and even specials, you can watch them on the company's web site. In some cases, you might have to wait a week or so to see it, but just about anything is available on the Internet (especially with YouTube). Oh, and by doing this, you don't need to pay, from 99 cents and on up, for watching TV episodes and other things from "handy places" like iTunes.
So, we kept our TV viewing log for a couple of weeks and it became obvious we could do without cable TV. Most importantly, we both realized that often we just "clicked and clicked" the remote, sitting there with monosyllabic stares, looking for something to watch ... a complete waste of time. And, then, from Day #1 of no more cable TV, we realized (and still do) that we absolutely, 100 percent DID NOT need cable TV. And, oh, yea, the monthly cable TV fees we saved added up fast and continue to do so!
An immensely crucial factor about getting rid of cable TV is probably the single biggest benefit of no longer being tied (i.e., drawn into) what cable TV offers in terms of perceived value (that really isn't). You get all these channels "bundled up" into package deals (where they also try to "get cha" with over-priced phone service, too). And, the thing is with all of those channels (so many of which are totally worthless), it quickly becomes a habit to sit in front of the TV "killing time" looking for something to watch. Then, many times, you're just sitting there watching whatever you stumbled upon, but only mildly, if at all, interested in.
An abundance of cable TV channels is really a BAD, but now so common, robotic phenomenon where so often you just sit there clicking the remote over and over again to see what's on. It's truly sad that while so often there really isn't anything to be found worth watching, you/me/we all usually settle for mediocrity because we got tired of searching back and forth and that's all that we could find. Instead of turning off the TV, getting up, and doing something worthwhile.
The significant fundamental change of expunging cable TV from your life and getting Netflix, along with other non-cable options like YouTube, is that now there is a sense of purpose when you "watch TV." You know what you want to watch, and you watch it, not bothering with anything else (especially endlessly clicking on the remote to see what’s on). What's especially important about that is you will no longer be frittering away a lot of time in the vast wasteland of whatever you can find on TV. Instead of wasting time like that, you can read a book, do a jigsaw puzzle, play games, even talk with the people populating your life, or just do many other things (that usually don't get done, are overlooked, or just ignored because you were "watching TV").
Bruce Springsteen "hit the nail on the head" in his 1992 song, with his Human Touch album's song "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)." And, that was just the beginning days/daze leading to the explosion of so many more dozens and hundreds of channels popping up all over the place, including the "breeding ground" known as the Internet.
With Netflix you'll never look at TV the same again!
What I really and truly don't miss about cable TV is the seemingly important, but nonsensical 24-hour news channels. They're all back-loaded with regular commercials and ads placed right in the middle (and as part) of all the "news" and what's going on. Those channels with eye-catching graphics each have their own agendas and slants, of course, so you can pick what you want to hear, all amongst self-important, know-it-alls bickering and squabbling with each other as they all try to make points (most of the time which don't make any sense or are convoluted).
The "breaking news" segments are really more on the order of just trying to get your attention or help snap you out of all too frequent momentary lapses of reason smack-dab in the middle of the monotony of it all.
It's all just noise that I'm so very happy I don't ever have to listen to again!
And, speaking of noise, to us, the real issues and reasons for serious concerns about the role (or, to put it more bluntly, the dominance and subtle, though quite subliminal, multi-faceted "indoctrination" angles and influences) TV plays in the daily lives of hundreds of millions of people around the globe boils down to two fundamental points:
A) Does the TV really need to be on first in the morning?
2) Does a TV constantly need to be “blaring away” all day long, even when no one is in the room? Diana and I honestly never ever will come close to grasping this, what it means, or even why people live with it. Especially when you visit someone, and they leave the TV on "playing to no one" in another room, loud and incredibly rude enough to be an annoyance that everyone but us seems to be oblivious to!
It's even worse (and beyond obnoxious and insulting) when the TV is on in the same room where you're trying to have a conversation with someone whose eyes constantly dart back and forth between you and the TV. Of course, this could easily take me off on a side tangent about stupid people, but that's a topic for another day (and is even covered in Communique #11 of Batsh*t Crazy).
For Diana and me, our TV and anything we watch relates to TV being our form of entertainment associated with evenings. Many nights the TV never comes on because we're reading books, playing card or board games, indulging our passion for jig-saw puzzles, doing things together (and, dare I say it, even just talking to each other), or a wide assortment of doing things other than just "watching TV" for the sake of doing something (often referred to as "killing time").
Our TV is rarely on during the day ... like for watching a baseball game or an afternoon movie matinee when we're Netflixing. Mostly, TV is an evening pastime for us because, you know, there is YOUR LIFE to live beyond those who are sadly suffering from the "glued to it" addiction of TV (same goes for waaaay too much time spent "out there" on the Internet).
For us, TV will always be a later in the day (if at all), evening sort of thing. One other thing about TVs is that there has never been a TV in our bedroom or anywhere else in the house. We look at the bedroom as the place for sleeping or reading a book before nodding off or, well, you can connect the dots for "something else" related to bedrooms.
It was Newton N. Minow, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission from 1961 to 1963, who, in a speech delivered on May 9th, 1961, made the statement about TV that quite literally "coined a phrase" still absolutely, if not more so, is 100 percent relevant. He said this at a National Association of Broadcasters Washington, DC, meeting in talking about what was being presented to the public on television, after encouraging individuals to watch, non-stop, an entire day of the different channels on TV:
"I can assure you that what you will observe is a vast wasteland."
Here is a link to the full text of what Mr. Minow said:
Add to that the quote from Marshall McLuhan, in talking about how the form of a medium embeds itself into any message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived. And, this is long before all the lavish, eye-catching graphics now constantly splashing across TVs, the Internet, and even in movie theaters.
"The medium is the message."
That concludes my editorial comment that I simply felt compelled to include with this dissertation about the Magic of Netflix.
So back to Netflix, yet more of the real genius and brilliance of Netflix is that it is like reading a book. You can read a chapter or part of a chapter or, hey, "plow through" the entire book. Only here the "book" is a movie, TV series, or anything else you're watching on Netflix. Watch all of the episodes you want, with no waiting around for next week's episode. Watching episode after episode has come to be known as binge watching.
Binge watching really started catching on with Netflix's first original series, "House of Cards." Netflix released all of the series' episodes at once, so they were readily available and, thus, binge watching further evolved from just watching all of the episodes Netflix had of previously-aired TV shows. Diana and I went from one "House of Cards" episode to the other from its debut Friday on through Sunday. It was so cool and added yet one more "dimension of entertainment" to Netflix!
Here's an example of how cool it is to watch TV shows that come to Netflix. Diana and I never had watched the TV show "LOST" when first aired from 2004 to 2010. So, a few years after the series ended, we watched all 121 episodes over the course of three or four months. With no commercials, each episode is a little over 40 minutes long (thanks to no commercials).
Over some weekends, we would watch several episodes non-stop. And, it was great to zip right to the next episode to see what happens next. No waiting for next week or the following season. We just zoomed right through it all at our own pace. We've even gone back and watched our favorite episodes, too. I can't emphasize enough just how great it is to not be bombarded with obnoxious, intellectually insulting commercials (which most of them are)!
NOTE: "LOST" is no longer available on Netflix, as "things come and go" in terms of what Netflix has to offer. But, hey, "LOST" was available on Netflix for many years.
Oh, yea, talking about things to watch, that brings us to the Netflix original content. Each year Netflix spends billions (yes, with a "B") on original content. It all started with "House of Cards" ... the highly anticipated sixth and final season is set to air in the fall of 2018.
Netflix's original content has continued on with multiple seasons of other great shows like "Santa Clarita Diet," "Marco Polo," "Narcos," "The Crown," "Ozark," "Mindhunter," "Daredevil," "Jessica Jones" (along with other Marvel series), "Orange is the New Black," and "Stranger Things." There is much more "in the works," too, including the "just-inked" multi-faceted deal between Netflix and former President Barack Obama and his wife.
Though it wasn't a Netflix original, my personal Netflix favorite, out of everything else, is the British television drama, "Peaky Blinders" (all four seasons). And, that's the thing, there is so much in the way of "great viewing" that makes its way to Netflix. I don't want to be pushy here, but with "Peaky Blinders," just watch the first ten minutes and see if you can turn it off.
There is so much "there" there withNetflix.
The "other guys," including Amazon Prime and Hulu, are frantically trying to catch up to Netflix. However, while they seem to be much like Netflix, they throw in plenty of "gotchas," like lots of things you might decide to watch, but, oh, wait, those have fees attached ... many have commercials, too. There is NONE of that with Netflix. You pay your monthly subscription and you can do this ...
Watch whatever you want whenever and wherever you want.
And, never ever any COMMERCIALS.
Netflix, besides being ingenious, is effortless and oh, so, convenient.
It's as simple as this:
Netflixsets the standard ...
The "other guys" don't even come close! And, in terms of market cap, company value, Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) is now bigger than AT&T and Comcast ... after having passed Time Warner and Twentieth Century Fox in market value last year.
Here are links to find out more about Netflix, the 20th anniversary celebration, and how to sign up:
You need to know (as required by the FTC) I am part of the DVD Nation Team that is promoting the 20th anniversary of Netflix and there are rewards from DVD.Netflix.com for those of us helping promote what Netflix does in providing thousands of viewing options to choose from, that you can get with a DVD subscription mail service as well as via Netflix streaming services (which has “tons” of original content you can’t find anywhere else).
It is important to note that I jumped at the chance to help the DVD Nation Team promote Netflix for the 20th anniversary celebration, because, simply put, right from the very beginning, Diana and I have been huge fans of Netflix. We have been "selling" Netflix since we first subscribed to Netflix in 2004. That was when we stopped going through the horrid experiences (and costs, and time, and annoyances) of enduring movie theaters. We killed cable TV shortly thereafter. We were part of the Netflix team testing and pioneering online viewing/streaming in 2006.
Since we first discovered Netflix's magic (and it is magic, if you really think about it), we have told countless people this: "Try Netflix for a month and if you don’t like it, we'll personally give you your money back." In all that time, no one has ever asked for their money back. In fact, most people we have nudged into trying Netflix not only thanked us for it, they, too, have become “soldiers in the field” telling others about how amazing, convenient, and effortless Netflix makes “going to the movies.” There are now over a hundred million Netflix subscribers worldwide! And, that number continues to grow!
Once Diana and I cut the cable TV cord, we have never looked back. With Netflix we didn't (nor will we) ever go to a movie theater again! Netflix has added so much magic to the depth of our life and times.
That said, hey, we're done here ... that is, unless you want to look at some Netflix related photos ... or read some reviews of just a small sampling of what you'll find on Netflix.
... and now I'm off to "Netflixing" for a while with Diana and our two Australian Shepherds, Lucky and Max!
While there are futurists and people studying everything from Quantum Mechanics to the origins of the Universe (and even the God Particle), I look at myself from what I truly feel is a pragmatic enlightenment perspective, because Netflix changes EVERYTHING ... and, it all has to do with all that has carried you to this moment in time, maximizing it (and you) to the fullest possible potential. You can reach me at - bil@alvernaz.com.
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
you didn't know you even wanted it until you experienced it to find out it is exactly what you’ve been waiting for ... and, really, truly wanted ... needed!
Then, Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
"How did we ever get along without it?!"
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
Philosophy, because the truths and principles of being, knowledge, and/or conduct all tie to a "thought-based study or investigation." And, that's really what is going on at the heart of just what Netflix is in that it is so much more than "just watching something," or what you never (or ever) could quite imagine ... that is until you actually experience it to discover, "Hey! I want more of this!"
Netflix ... it's kinda like ... something that quickly, instantly becomes a very pleasant part of life. Not something that completely overtakes everything else, but, instead, enhances so very many different aspects of your days/daze and nights. And, when you're feeling down or "slightly off" ... Netflix always picks you right up!
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
a gathering, where people come together to spend time "doing things" while talking, interacting with each other, enjoying the "company of others," and, well, basically “living life!”
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
Religion when you really think about it. You can “attend” on your own or “go with other people.” And, just as with religion, you can learn and discover so much that you otherwise might not have ever thought about. Oh, and there is much in the way of content “offerings” related to, well, RELIGION, itself ... all kinds of religion!
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
something we can all do together or alone, anywhere and everywhere on TV or any computing device (which, of course, includes smartphones). That's the brilliance of this phenomenon and entity that is Netflix. And, it works the way you think. Netflix is simple and easy to use. Add to that a seemingly endless variety of so much to watch and see. Customer Service/Tech Support is the part of Netflix that doesn’t get talked about much, but is always, always, ALWAYS there for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every single day of the year.
You got a question? Need help with something? Wonder why this is that or that is this? Just call 1-800-585-8018 and the friendly, helpful, courteous staff will take care of whatever needs to be done to help you. That 800 number is for the United States. No matter where you are around the globe, you can find the Customer Service/Tech Support number at the bottom of any Netflix page online. That call-in number is listed right by the Service Code number which is six digits and "punching that in" helps the support staff get to your account PRONTO!
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
a global community that YOU are a part of ... where you can see so many international shows that you can quite literally "hop around the world" to watch things! Don't worry, there are subtitles and/or dubbing, so you won't be hampered by a language barrier.
Most important of all ...
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
an extension of your intellect where you "watch something" and not just be entertained, but you learn and discover so much that you otherwise would never have "come across" because of so many different, intriguing, interesting, fulfilling, and, amazing things to watch. So much of what you see "between the lines" on Netflix also reinforces so much of what you feel as well as helps you see things in new and different ways.
Oh, yea, ... and, Netflix ... it's kinda like ... a whole lot of fun!
You smile more because of the Netflix aura. You talk more with people about what you and they watched. "Did you see ..." "Oh, you gotta watch ..." There is just so much "there" there with Netflix.
Netflix ... it's kinda like ...
nothing else at all ... definitely something you want as a part of your life!
Chairperson Know-it-all pounded a gavel several times. He also simultaneously and violently shook the index finger of his other hand high above his head. His purpose was to emphasize that he and his high-ranking associates in leadership had called forth the subpoena (that no one understood what the purpose was or is) to bring this very same, extremely important, obviously overcrowded meeting to order in the largest, though still jampacked hearing room. All this on the sunniest of sunny days/daze in the United State Capitol.
Chairperson Know-it-all: "Where is our guest speaker? Will someone please escort in our guest? NOW! Right now, please."
At that very moment, the big, wooden, double doors to the chamber opened wide. Amidst the glare of bright lights and cameras snapping photos, in walked a larger-than-life Netflix Red Envelope, smiling and wearing a Peaky Blinders newsboy cap (red, of course, and slightly tilted sideways), hi-fiving as well as waving to spectators, and carrying a Netflix red tote bag bulging to the point of almost overflowing with lots and
lots of papers and, most certainly, hundreds of coupons for the 30-day free trials of Netflix.
The Netflix Red Envelope squeezed into the not very roomy witness chair (which, it is important to note, all of the previous witnesses testifying against Mr. Red Envelope were just "sliding around in" back and forth quite a bit ... almost as if they couldn't keep track of what they were saying, not saying, and, at certain points, going so far as to "bend the truth" in each of their favors). Mr. Red Envelope leaned forward, adjusting the over-sized microphone (mainly so he wouldn't look awkward when responding to questions).
Chairperson Know-it-all: "Thank you for appearing before this fact-finding, investigative, and profound committee for this hearing, Mr. Red Envelope.”
Netflix Red Envelope: "Thank you, Chairperson Know-it-all, I would like to know why I've been summoned here and just what this is all about."
Chairperson Know-it-all: "We'll get to all of that in due course. But, first, the main reason you're here is because we have a lot of pressing, important, and, yes, even vital questions to ask you about as well as examine just exactly what it is you are doing.”
Netflix Red Envelope: "Okay. That is odd, but this is your show. Let's get on with it."
Senator Gasbag: "Did you, in fact, run Blockbuster Video out business while quashing most other video rental enterprises and companies to benefit your own ambitions?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "First of all, things weren't that easy when I was getting started with just DVD rentals by mail twenty years ago. I had no one helping me and I used all of my own money to start things up and keep them going. I actually talked to Blockbuster Video at one point to see if we might figure out a way to do business together.
Blockbuster, in something that makes you think a lot about Karma and how it works, I might add, curtly declined my offer, hoping that would be the end of me. And, anyway, they were 'king of the world' at that point with video stores everywhere. And, I was nobody, a tiny spec to them. So, I was, have been, and always will be on my own. Only now I have a lot more money to keep things going and making things better and better all the time.
"That led me to be creative and inventive, as well as looking closely at what people really wanted. Pretty much it all comes back to that old adage of 'find a need and fill it,' which is what American enterprise is all about. Creating what I created and doing what I have done, that is why I have become such a phenomenon with DVDs and online viewing. It's important to note for the record (especially in relation to Karma), Blockbuster was solely responsible for its own undoing and eventual 2010 bankruptcy."
Senator Grandstander: "Why are so many of the potential 'other guys,' like Disney, trying to do what you do?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "What I do ain't easy, Senator. While it looks pretty simple and straight forward what we're doing, it isn't. The other 'other guys' presently trying to match what we offer, are finding it quite difficult to do what we have done and are doing so well. In fact, where the 'other guys' are falling short in a very big way is that they are mostly focused on monetizing their efforts, so they sneak in offerings that cost additional fees along with their 'free' content.
"Their interfaces and menu systems aren't as seamlessly intuitive as mine either. And, for the most part, they don't offer the kind of customer and tech support we provide, so people can get help, for whatever reason(s), and also be able to ask questions that we give them answers to.
"Also, they just can't match our content offerings, especially our original shows like 'House of Cards,' 'Stranger Things,' and 'Orange is the New Black' to mention just some of them, including 'Peaky Blinders,' too. Their 'ease of use' factors for how subscribers interact with what is being offered don't even come close to how intuitive and 'easy it is to follow along' for how things work with us.
"Our customer and tech support is available 24 hours day, seven days a week, all year long. You never wait more than a minute or so to talk to someone who will help you with whatever you need."
Senator Jabberer: "Isn't it true that you are responsible for the steadily growing movement that is 'killing Cable TV' all across this country and around the world?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "Senator, I'm pretty much an inanimate object in all of this. The real answer to your question lies simply in the fact that Cable TV and the 'other guys' are flutily trying to be what I am, while charging much more for much less that is certainly not oriented towards customer service and needs. And, I don't 'fence you in' with countless, limited limitations either. Nor do I 'shove down your throat' bundled package deals, all to jack up the prices, of TV channels you don't even care about watching. In other words, with Cable TV and the 'other guys,' you can only watch what they have decided you should watch at any particular time.
"With me, you pick from an in-depth, amazing, bountiful, and extremely wide selection of what you want to watch, when you want to watch it, wherever you are on planet earth (or in space), with whomsoever you choose. Also, you can watch me on any device, including TVs. You'll find a Netflix 'one click' button for me on most TV remotes now, too."
Senator Motor-Mouth: "Yes, be that as it may, however, therefore, but all of what you are doing simply comes back to the fact that you're also 'killing movie theaters,' too! Do you deny that?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "Oh, well, Senator, have you been to a movie theater lately with all of the people who don't know how to behave, or keep quiet, or turn off AND NOT USE their smartphones during the movie? The prices for popcorn, snacks, and drinks are totally obscene AND not really healthy either! All of that all the stuff at the snack bar is loaded with calories. And, the incredibly over-salted popcorn! Ewwwwwwww. It actually tastes old, too! I won't even go into all of the waiting in lines either! But, here's the thing. You go see a movie and you're out a 'fair chunk of change,' not to mention your time and trouble to get to/from the movie theater.
"Here's another very important point about me and what I offer, too. With the movie theater way of doing things, if you don't like the movie or didn't enjoy being surrounded by obnoxious people, you're just plain out for the money that experience cost you. Money, which, by the way, is an amount that would more than cover, at the very least, the cost of one month's subscription to me, for both the DVDs and online viewing. Also, with watching me, you plop down in your favorite spot or wherever you feel comfortable and you can eat whatever you want, all without having paid through the nose for it.
"And, if you come across something you don't like watching with me, you just move on to whatever else you want to watch. All for no additional charge. Also, by having so much available in the way of viewing choices, you get to explore and watch so much of what you otherwise probably never would have seen, or even known about. All without ever having to drive somewhere at a specific time.
"Oh, yea, with me there's no need for the movie theater, worrying about driving there, and having to plan your time around their movie schedules. I'm wherever and whenever you want me to be. I bring whatever you want to watch right to you! No driving anywhere or worrying about what time a show starts. With me, we're talking 'on demand' so you decide when you want to watch something. It's all designed for YOU, so it will be convenient, affordable, and, something that no one else can offer ... FUN, FUN, FUN!"
Senator Superfluous: "Okay, then. Let's talk about 'binge watching' that I understand you single handedly pioneered. Why should or do people really need watch all episodes continuously, non-stop?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "The word 'binge' isn't exactly the right word, Ma'am. 'Carousel' is a better way of looking at this, because you have a constantly revolving carousel of choices, 'things to ride,' if you will. You can 'ride along' for however long you like. We look at it all as giving people options for viewing.
"With me, it's really like reading a book. You can read a page or two. You can read a chapter. Or, you can just 'plow through the words' for as many pages as you like. But, you still have the entire book, so you can 'flip around' from page to page as well as go back and forth to different parts you want to read again or use as a point of reference or for quoting.
"So, what we do is provide it all at once on our carousel. There is no doubt people like having the option to watch as much or as little as they want. Oh, and, when you come back to watch something, I let you pick up right where you left off. Or, you can start from the beginning. It's completely up to you!
"And, when you come right down to it, Senator, I honestly feel that a question about this topic is what you would need to direct to the millions of people who are loving every minute of having this option for 'watching things' that way. If it wasn't something so popular, then people wouldn't be doing it. And, why should anyone have to wait a week, or more, to see what happens next?" It's all part of getting beyond the restrictive confinements of regular TV networks and the way things have always been done. Obviously, people like having a variety of other options and ways for viewing on their own terms."
Senator Smarty-Pants: "Can you name a single, solitary 'benefit to humankind' for what you do and what you are supposedly offering?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "I think I already have given several examples of benefits I offer, Senator. But, hey, beyond so much entertainment and FUN, let's talk education and 'learning things.' With all that I offer, at one single, very affordable subscription cost, you can watch whatever you want. If you stumble upon something you don't like, you just quash it and move on to something else. Ah, but therein lies a 'magic touch' of what I offer, which is another positive aspect of what I offer for people to 'get it' with me.
"You get to explore and look for and at a wide, multicultural range of so many viewing experiences you might not have ever or never experienced. Because it is all 'right there' in an easy to find format, you quite literally explore what the entirety of what the world offers. And, that includes a profusion of foreign movies and TV shows that you can view with subtitles or with the voices dubbed in for your language. Oh, hey, and that just touches on your options. I've also got concerts, plays, documentaries, and so much more ... even magic shows."
Senator Peacock: "I keep seeing something here called a queue? What is that? Why does it matter? This is all so confusing."
Netflix Red Envelope: “Senator. It sounds like you've never experienced what I have to offer. And, for the record, what I offer is not confusing. From the moment you first use me, you'll already know what to do. That's how simple all of this is."
Senator Peacock: "No, I haven't used your service. Why should I? I've done my homework here and I am more than prepared for this hearing. Are you?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "Yes, I am prepared as much as I could be without knowing what this is really all about. So, first, let me say what many of my subscribers say to other people who haven't experienced or ever even seen Netflix. Just try Netflix for 30 days at no cost and without any hidden 'gotcha ya' obligations. If you don't like it, I'll personally give you your money back. In fact, many people boast about 'selling Netflix' exactly that way. And, after finding out just how amazing and incredible Netflix is, no one has ever asked for their money back!"
Senator Peacock: "Back to my original question. What is a queue? And, for that matter, why does anyone even need one?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "I'm happy to answer that because that specific point is part of the pure genius of me, who I am, and why so many people are attracted to me. USER INTERFACE is the best way to put it. For both the DVD and online subscriptions, you have a queue or list where you 'line up' what you want to watch. That way, whatever you have in your queue is what comes up next to view or is which DVDs get mailed to you next. Or, for online viewers, you can look through and watch what's available in category listings and even recommendations based on what you have already watched! The queue helps you make sure you never miss out on anything you want to watch."
Senator Blather: "Okay, let's talk about watching. And, you said quite a bit about certain negative aspects of movie theaters and Cable TV. But, what about having to wait to see something on Netflix? You can't tell me you don't have to wait for certain shows or movies in your DVD queue. Right?
Netflix Red Envelope: "That's correct, Senator. First, let me say, there is definitely a 'wait factor' with movie theaters, too, if you're trying to get into certain shows. So, there is a wait at points for DVDs, too, especially just released movies that become available. But, we show you if there is a wait time, right there in your queue. Short wait. Long wait. That's all the more reason you want to 'load up' your queue with whatever you want to watch the most listed at the top of the queue listing.
"The sooner you put something in your queue, the sooner you get it. Then when what you're waiting for 'comes up,' we ship it right out to you. For online viewing, EVERYTHING you see is instantly available to watch so you just point and click or tap on it with your finger, depending on which device you choose to view it from."
"Back in the day of video stores, there were only so many copies of many different movies and shows, so there was waiting there, too. Only, you had to go back at other points to see if what you wanted was available. And, there you had driving and wasting time fooling around. With me, never any driving around or wasting time EVER! I maximize your time, so you can do things the way you want to do them, at whatever point you want to."
Senator Braggart: "But, really, aren't YOU responsible for people just sitting in front of the TV way too much ... or people just mindlessly and obliviously gazing with monosyllabic stares at their TVs and computing devices?"
Netflix Red Envelope: "Well, ma'am. People have been 'spending way too much time in front of TVs' long before I came along. And, the Internet has even 'fueled that fire' even more so for 'getting lost out there' for hours on end. That said, me being who I am and what I offer people, it actually turns out to be just the opposite of what you're concerned about. And, this goes for people 'cutting the cord' from Cable TV.
"Because you have my queue and, most of the time, know what you are going to watch beforehand, then when you 'watch me,' you are viewing with a sense of purpose. You're not just sitting there, clicking the remote to see what's on ... and, then watching whatever you happened to have happened upon.
"Really, what's going on with me is that people know what they want to watch and then they watch it. That then frees up time for people to do other things, like reading, talking and interacting with other people, playing games, doing jigsaw puzzles, or any of lots of other things. So, no, I'm not concerned about people watching too much of me, even with watching multiple episodes, because people are going to do what they do, and you can't stop that.
"What I have done and am doing is providing a much smarter, more intellectually stimulating way of watching things. That way fewer people just sit there clicking the remote to see what's on and then watch whatever they happen to find, no matter how contrived, not entertaining, bad, or mindless it is."
Chairperson Know-it-all: "I see that Senator Inappropriate Confusion has finally gathered together quite a bit of information to ask a question. So, I now recognize and give the floor to that Senator."
Senator Inappropriate Confusion: "Thank you, Chairperson Know-it-all. Yes. I only have one question, but, based on all of my research that included talking to many of my constituents, this is probably the single most important aspect of what we are doing here today. Now, you have over 100 million subscribers worldwide, is that correct?”
Netflix Red Envelope: "Yes. Give or take ten or twenty or thirty or forty million."
Senator Inappropriate Confusion: "Ah, I see. Okay. So, what I want to know and I'm sure much of America as well as people around the globe, who are watching this hearing, want to know is this. Does the whatchacallit that fits on the thing for the other part have anything to do with your success?”
Netflix Red Envelope: "I know you're a ranking member of this committee, so I welcome answering, with great specificity, exactly what it is you want to know. To answer your thoughtful question, let me say this. While it might be a significant aspect of what it is you speak, I can tell you this that you most certainly would have to check how the piece that rests near the interface part of whateverthatis fits overall. Only then will the 'pieces of the puzzle' come together for addressing what it is you want to know.”
There was a long, awkward pause after that.
Then ...
Netflix Red Envelope: "Here's my question, folks. I'd really like to know the purpose of this hearing and what I'm doing here today."
Chairperson Know-it-all: "I'll tell you exactly why it is we are all here today, Mr. Red Envelope. You and your company are being investigated for being too damned good at giving people exactly what they want in the most convenient ways; for providing services for not only a fair price, but that it all is, most certainly, an outright bargain; for having outstanding, excellent customer service and satisfaction; and for providing customer/tech support, at no extra cost to courteously help people in any way possible ... all while continuing to grow at an exponential rate, making a profit, and setting the standard for the way things ought to be done. How and why can you possibly do all of that??"
Netflix Red Envelope: "Well, I can only respond with the real question, Senator. Why aren't the other guys AND other companies and corporations doing what I am doing? Anyone can check out what I have to offer for 30 days for free, no strings attached. dvd.netflix.com is where anyone can find me. For people who want to know more or have questions, all they have to do is call our Customer Service number, 866-579-7172."
Not a single word was uttered following that. Not only did no one say anything else at this point, everyone was busy writing down the phone number and web address ... all while throughout the room (as well as for those watching on TV) phones and digital devices "lit up" with the dvd.netflix.com web site!
It seems like we have all we could ever want from Netflix right now.
But, just try to imagine Netflix twenty years from now!
Dateline: 2038 ...
Movie theaters have long since disappeared, dissolving into new age discos, pet salons, and a wide variety of other funky, earthy, new-age things (which, actually, are somewhat fun, sorta, kinda, maybe). Televisions are now "media walls" in people's home with the average size of the simmering, glass viewing areas being 10 feet by 18 feet (with more vivid depth of field than 3D). And, of course, there are the 360-degree hologram devices for homes, smartphones, and even in all of the self-driving (as well as flying) cars.
Netflix continues to battle monopolistic charges in the realm of all things media, because, one by one, the "other guys," who were providing EMDs (Entertainment Media Disks) and hyperspace (which used to be called "online") content, have "fizzled and frittered away" any chances of ever catching Netflix.
Netflix has become a monumental media, entertainment, educational, and news source ... and, all because Netflix has continuously made "smart moves" based on what people want ... not what corporate media moguls keep doing in the way of making "get all the money we can, weasel missteps" ... as they always have done (and will do).
With well over two billion subscribers now around the globe and on the dozen space stations, the Moon, and Mars, Netflix has introduced its latest innovation called "Whatever you want, whenever and wherever you want it." Because Netflix long ago perfected the Netflix Neural Perfunctory Predictor Device (NPPD), Netflix now knows exactly what you want BEFORE you want it. So, with there no longer being any need for the infamous Netflix Queue, whatever it is you're thinking about "wanting to see" (or do), well, Netflix takes care of that, complete with delivery via the new-fangled (but, oh, so nice) Inter-Web-Transitory-Delivery System (IWTDS).
The Netflix Inter-Web-Transitory-Delivery System can stream things to whatever device you like, at home, at work, in your car, on vacation, or directly to your brain if you have one of the new Netflix "skin patches" behind either ear. They are completely safe, too, with no side effects like the dizziness (and "other things") associated with Virtual Reality gear and contraptions.
The magical way the Netflix "skin patches" work is simply to "put on the show" right inside your brain, so you just close your eyes to watch whatever you want in the most vivid 3D you'll ever see, complete with vastly improved surround sound, too!
Oh, and the Netflix "skin patches" have so revolutionized education, that much like in the now ancient Matrix movie from 40 years ago, whatever you want to learn, hey, the Netflix "skin patches" provide a direct (and very affordable) way to find out about, learn, discover, and, yes, master anything at all.
There is much in development, too, as Netflix is working on new features that will allow you to immerse yourself in a vacation (for the cost of watching a movie), all without ever leaving home ... meaning you are completely free of the hassles of airfare, hotels, car rentals, rude, obnoxious people, sunburns, and, of course, seemingly endless waiting and waiting. No time wasted at all, because you're instantly "there" without leaving the safety of your home. You'll feel like you're right there in whatever exotic (or ordinary, quiet) place you want to be, because of a new feature for the Netflix "skin patches" that completely immerses you in a mind expanding, so real you can touch it, holographic, 3D experience!
And, that’s just the beginning of what Netflix has “coming soon!”
Oh, one other thing. Though many people "chalk it up" to rumors, I know for a fact that in the Netflix Neural-Net Labs (NNNL), they are working on a new feature that will greatly improve the lives of those serious (some would say "curmudgeonly cranky" or just downright nasty) people who seem to have had their personalities and senses of humor surgically removed. The new Netflix "lighten up and let loose" feature will greatly improve the lives of those individuals (as well as the rest of us who have to put up with all of their infectiously irritating nonsense!).
You can get this book on a Netflix DVD, stream it, or, well, you know, in, like what you can hold in your hand to "turn the pages," a book form ... hard cover, paperback, or audio format.
As the 20th anniversary celebration for Netflix winds down, it just figures that a book about Netflix would be most appropriate. It's also the best way to be sure all of what happened would be permanently "etched" in words, photos, and, yes, videos. This book will come with a DVD all of the videos relating to the 20th anniversary celebration and, most likely, previews of "coming attractions" (but nothing annoying). That way you won't need to scour the web (and YouTube) to find the videos.
A book would make things more permanent as well as be your handy resource for all thingsNetflix (even better than this web site). Everything in one handy place.
So, here is a brief overview of what you will find in the "Gran Fondo" quick & easy read ...
Netflix – the book!
Of course, this book will start at the beginning. And, that would be with Reed Hastings, the guy who started it all. Not only that, but there will be a closer look at the state of technology, computing, and TV/Internet viewing two decades ago.
The reason for that is because in the late 90s, the Internet was just starting to take hold (you know, before it completely wrapped its tentacles around our intellect and so many "lost breaths"). So, for this guy, Reed Hastings, to have the vision and smarts to "connect the dots" in the big picture of how he went on to change the world with Netflix, well, it's downright amazing.
Think about it. Smartphones were in the very early stages of development. We were just starting to maximize our use of something called electronic mail (email) as the use of "faxing" was already in a downward spiral. And, something called "texting" was looming on the horizon. What would come to be known as "streaming online," that was all in its infancy, too, where all the kinks were be worked out to get rid of the jumpy, "herky-jerky" motion of videos, not to mention delays and gaps in viewing things. And, for streaming movies and TV shows online, the technology was possible (and expensive), but not very realistic for doing it a massive, global scale. But, then not everyone could see the future like Reed Hastings did.
And, the most amazing aspect in all of this, is that Reed Hastings' "simple idea" was to use the United States Postal Service (USPS) as the "delivery & return" service for getting DVDs right to your door. Fast forward to today, where Amazon.com is doing the exact same thing by using the USPS's infrastructure to deliver gazillions of packages ... even with Sunday deliveries in Postal Service vehicles no less!
At the time, in the late '90s, all of this was one of those "yea, right, like that's really going to work" kinds of things. Hardly anyone, other than Reed Hastings and his forward-looking teams (who still always seem to be way ahead of the techno-weenie curves), even thought it all was feasible. Or, that you could make money doing it.
But, Reed Hastings could see it all. It would take a few years into the new century for this upstart Netflix to refine what would become an efficient, fine-tuned, constantly innovating system ... all while pioneering and perfecting online streaming. In no time, it was all working as Netflix gained traction to become the global phenomenon and force that it continues to be now two decades later with 130+ million subscribers worldwide.
There will be plenty of background details in this book, too, including how obstacles were nothing more than "solutions waiting to happen." All of which led to EVERYTHING coming together for what would be a constantly evolving entity that was/is so easily summed up in a single, now-familiar word in our daily vocabulary - "Netflix." And, that includes the ups and downs of getting it all going in the late '90s and early 2000s. It wasn't smooth sailing in the beginning to create (let alone keeping it going) Netflix. Lots of people, including me, initially "waited and watched" to see if this "thing" Netflix really would take off.
Just as Netflix was starting to soar in the early 2000s, I "jumped on board" and have been a fan ever since. That includes "selling" Netflix by telling anyone and everyone I knew, "Try Netflix for 30 days and if you don't like it, I'll personally give you your money back!" To this day, no one has ever asked for their money back. In fact, lots of the people I "nudged" into trying Netflix, they then started "selling it," too. That's all part of the phenomenon of Netflix ... everyone is always talking about!
It didn't take much for LOTS of people to "jump right in" to take advantage of Netflix streaming options online, as well as having the Netflix DVDs delivered and returned via your mailbox ... such a simple, brilliant, "who woulda thought" idea. Best of all, whenever you were done watching your DVDs, no matter how long you hold on to them, you just popped 'em back in the clever "coming & going" red envelopes! Then your next DVDs will be on the way to you, lickity-split!
And, best of all, NO LATE FEES ever!
There will a whole lot more in this Netflix book, too ...
In-depth interview with Reed Hastings and key member of his Netflix team.
Behind the scenes looks at how Netflix does what it does.
Tips & pointers for the getting the most out of Netflix.
The mysteries will be revealed about those special numbered codes you can use for finding and zeroing in on exactly what you want to find. And, yes, there are more Netflix secrets you'll learn about, too!
What the critics said to begin with, compared to what they are saying now. And, there will be plenty of the "rave reviews" included ... of course, we would do that in this book!
Comparing "the other guys" to Netflix, which has become the standard above all else in this realm of watching exactly what you want to watch, whenever and wherever you want to watch it! This section of the book will also include all of the "gotchas" the other guys build in to squeeze more money out of you. They aren't like Netflix where you just pay one, very low, affordable monthly fee.
A closer look at just how so much original content (in the billions of dollars) "comes to life" through Netflix ... in a wide variety of languages (complete with subtitles), because Netflix now encompasses the entire planet!
And, well, there will be "other things" you need to know about Netflix that you didn't even know you wanted (or needed) to know.
Most importantly, this book will provide an important and close look "behind the scenes" at Netflix's Customer Service and Tech Support which, yet again, Netflix sets the standard for. And, hey, the "other guys" don't even have anything (if at all) close to help, assistance, and getting questions answers the way Netflix does ... all just by calling this 1-800-585-8018. You never wait more than a minute or so to talk to someone who can help you.
And, if that isn't enough to knock your socks off, we'll even look at things to come for Netflix, too!
So when will we have Netflix – the book?
It's coming soon ... very soon! America's Premier Unknown Writer!
Would Blockbuster Video (and a forever, always "sprouting up" abundance of other video rental stores) have an epic stranglehold over our lives? Would such "going back and forth to video stores" still be tormenting and antagonizing us with a) always having to leave your house to "get the goods," along with so many snacks we really somehow couldn't resist buying; and 2) still having limited or few options (if any) for the movies we really want to see?
And, you know, most likely, they would still be nicking us for those stupid, aggravating late fees (not to mention "membership" fees ... whatever those meant or even were). Just like the movie theaters, they'd be over-charging us for the POP (point of purchase) snacks and drinks so readily available ... all, as we "dig out" our membership cards (wheresoever they happened to be hiding at those particular points). Then there is all of the driving back and forth, too. What a constant and annoying pain, eh?
And, right here we need to talk about THE COST of it all, because yet one very important thing in all of this is how much Netflix costs versus movie theaters, Cable TV, and even the rental fees we paid "PER MOVIE" at the video stores (not to mention the time, trouble, inconvenience, and "wear & tear" on our modes of transport)! With Netflix, it is just one monthly fee to watch whatever, whenever, wherever, and howsoever YOU choose. And, that Netflix monthly subscription costs less, MUCH LESS, than venturing out to see just one movie! And, we won't even get into the Cable TV costs you pay for ... you know, all of those channels you never even watch, all of which, like everything else on Cable (and regular) TV, most certainly, have commercials. Even the movie theaters, along with previews, "throw in commercials." And why not, they've got you held hostage to do whatever they want until the movie starts!
NO COMMERCIALS EVER WITH NETFLIX!
Oh, but wait, Blockbuster and most video stores went BUST, with Blockbuster filing for bankruptcy in 2010. So, there's that.
Even if the video store "supply chain" somehow had dwindled in a non-Netflix world, you'd still be stuck, as usual, with whatever Cable TV options there were/are for movies and entertainment (all tied to more expensive and/or, many times, the hidden, additional fees).
You could always just buy the DVDs, I guess, when they became available. Then there would be the ongoing hassle to store and arrange said DVDs on shelves. All in a futile, not so logical attempt that is doomed from the start (you know it and I know it), so you could somehow easily find what you wanted to watch whenever you wanted to watch it (assuming you did, indeed, manage to sort through your collection that, over time, the "order of it all" just didn't make any sense). We all know, especially if more than one person is involved, organizing and keeping track of things would quickly disintegrate into piles of DVDs! There wouldn’t be the quite handy, intuitive, easy to use Netflix queue that is now an integral part of how we think about, keep track of, and FIND what we want to watch ... lightning fast, too.
And, oh, sure, there always would be, at least for a little while longer (sorta, maybe, kinda), the various and assorted movie theater options, including Imax and 3D (that they are still frantically trying to shove down our throats, working (and marketing) overtime to "sell us on" it all collectively ... for even higher admission prices, too.
Ah, but, wait! Not only are those some of the main reasons Netflix is, well, Netflix. But, it all just makes you think how much we take for granted this so intuitively effortless, convenient, and extremely affordable (so much so, it feels like we're cheating somehow) entity (phenomenon, sensation, wonder, marvel, spectacular-spectacular) that is so very much a part of each of our daily (and nightly) lives ... NETFLIX!
Thanks to Reed Hastings and his clever, creative, and always helpful teams tirelessly working "behind the scenes" with technology and wizardry, for well over two decades now, we do, in fact, have Netflix!
But, think about it.
No Netflix?
Things would be so very different in so many ways ...
A red envelope that happens to show up in your mailbox would be "just another piece of mail" (most likely junk mail at that). There wouldn't be any of those special moments of spotting Netflix Red Envelopes in with the "other stuff" that automatically, so easily materialize into wide smiles brightening up your face (and intellect) in anticipation of "hey, something worth watching" for Netflixing.
The U.S. Postal Service might even have gone broke by now or, at the very least, they would have eliminated Saturday deliveries! Well, probably not, because of Amazon utilizing Netflix's same delivery infrastructure (including Sunday deliveries by Postal workers). It borders on astounding to consider this: What if there was no Amazon.com? But, no. Wait a minute. That's a topic for another time.
Think about your remotes for TV, Roku, and other viewing options. There would, of course, be a different button on countless remotes in place of that now so familiar "just click it" Netflix button.
Oh, and what about that which has become known as streaming "original content?" Well, you'd probably still have some form of it one way or another (though it would all be much more limited and not as well done as the way
