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My Netflix Journal Page 12

September 28, 2007

Bashing Ceases With NFLX Stock Rise

Two month's ago, Netflix announced they were losing customers.  The announcement precipitated a Netflix stock fall.  Soon after the announcement Netflix targeted GreenCine's customers and launched a relentless bashing campaign on GreenCine's member forum.  Coincidently, an unusual amount of nasty e-mails came to yours truly--one of the perks in speaking out against Netflix's business practices.  I guess Netflix met its objective as the bashing at GreenCine came to a sudden halt which coincides with a jump in Netflix stock.  I wonder if other Netflix competitors experienced the same problem?

Don't forget I'll pay anyone $400.00 dollars to rat on Netflix.

September 17, 2007

Netflix Buries Phone Number Again

Earlier, I reported Netflix made their customer service number easy to find.  Not any more! It turns out it was a PR stunt.  Once again, the number is much easier to find if you log out.  Netflix makes their customer service number easy to find for prospective customers--not for current subscribers.

September 15, 2007

GreenCine Competitor Flip-Flops On Throttling

The red envelope company (Anti-Green) infamous for the practice of throttling now denies ever doing it according to their FAQs:  "Anti-Green does not do this."  Anti-Green claims "throttling" is actually the figment of confused dimwitted customers' overactive imaginations.  Through the use of flimflam jargon (i.e. "cross shipments") and pretzel logic Anti-Green informs their subscribers throttling is just a myth.  Customers might want to refer to their 10,000 word (12 page) Terms Of Use and find out what Anti-Green does do.  Meanwhile, Anti-Green customers wait with bated breath for their much anticipated free month subscription settlement as a result of Anti-Green's throttling lawsuit.

GreenCine has never instituted throttling 

September 13, 2007

Netflix Rental # 1000

Hare + Guu vol. 5 becomes my 1,000 Netflix rental.

Online DVD Rentals: How It Should Be

No one would be reading this journal if my initial experience with Netflix had been good. The goal of using online DVD delivery services should be enjoying DVDs at home without aggravation. I have only one expectation of Netflix: Provide anime.  Cost is a minor issue. If Netflix increased their prices I would still pay for its service. What I don’t like is throttling. I also don't like being told I'm living off of Netflix's teat.  I've paid Netflix over $1,300.00 in membership fees making Netflix a nice profit in the process. If Netflix is so concerned about profit margins then create premium plans for subscribers like me.  I'll pay extra to forego throttling.  Include perks like Priority Mail shipping and appropriate packaging.  I'm sick of seeing broken DVDs. 

September 2, 2007

Not Happy With Netflix Paid Posters

It irks me to see Netflix paid posters on GreenCine's board.  Anyone else angry?  I'd like to see your thoughts on the netflix's complaint forum.  Netflix should have a message board too--You wouldn't have to pay me to bitch.  I'd do it for free.  I notice similarities between Netflix paid posters and certain patients who show up in the emergency room.  There are patients who are truly sick and then there are those who shouldn't be there.  Emergency rooms are busy, chaotic and overflowing with people waiting to be treated.  Do you really need to be seen in the ER for a headache or cold?  Do you realize how much an ER visit costs?  These ingrates tie up hospital staff and resources for those who really need it.

Don't forget I'll pay anyone $400.00 dollars to rat on Netflix.

August Stats

Netflix's plan is now $1.00 less.  I haven't decided what to do with my Blockbuster plan.  They also have a plan for $16.99--no in-store rentals.  Maybe I'll get better service with the $17.99 plan.  For the moment I'll keep it at $17.99.  I noticed Blockbuster did away with their 5-at-a-time and 8-at-a-time plans.  If I were to use only one service, I would need an 8-at-time plan.  I guess those plans weren't profitable as Blockbuster doesn't throttle.

Cost/rental & turnaround computed using Price/Rental & Turnaround Calculator.  Services compared using rentals "returned" or "received" during August 2007.  Seventeen month Comparison.  Specific rental problems listed here. 

August 31, 2007

GreenCine:  Missing Rental #7

There's no coincidence.  Someone's tampering with my GreenCine rentals.  I just reported one missing last month. 

Q. Who's tampering with Manuel's GreenCine rentals?

1. Postman

2. GreenCine

3. Netflix

Is it the postman?  No, I don't believe it's the postman.  I drop my rentals off inside the post office along with my Blockbuster and Netflix rentals.  My Blockbuster and Netflix rentals don't come up missing.  Is it GreenCine?  No, I don't think it's GreenCine either.  If it were GreenCine, I doubt the problem would be isolated to just one subscriber.   I'm not sure how Netflix is involved but they're certainly underhanded enough to do such a thing.

I've reported this incident to the US Postal Inspectors.  Actually, I think GreenCine is supposed to fill out the form.  By reporting all my missing GreenCine rentals I'm hoping it catches the attention of the US Postal Service and they catch the scum responsible for holding up my GreenCine queue.  You're probably safer playing with rabid dogs than depriving me of anime.  Depriving me of caffeine isn't a good idea either.

August 30, 2007

Reed Hastings' Opinion of Hispanics

Reporter Amy Larson was there when Netflix CEO Reed Hastings spoke out on Hispanics.  I guess there were a few Hispanics present when Hastings got booed for saying, "Bilingual education was the biggest mistake ever" and a "terrible idea."  It didn't stop there.  According to Larson, "Hastings went on to question if segregation was really a bad thing."  Let me get this straight.  Reed Hastings supported Proposition 277 stripping Spanish language from those students who needed it most.  Fine, let's get everyone on the same page.  Yet, Hastings wants Hispanics confined from our society by segregation?  No wonder Hispanics were relieved after Hastings' dismissal from the State Board of Education.  

I don't think Hastings or Netflix have a high opinion of Hispanics.  When the AP interviewed me about Netflix throttling those in the Netflix camp were quick to say I was making illegal copies.  Netflix spokesman Mike Kaltschnee said I must be "burning" DVDs because there was no legitimate reason for renting so many DVDs.  Would the same accusations be made if I were white?  Maybe I rent so many DVDs because I enjoy them.

Link: Educators discuss bilingual education

August 24, 2007

Why Paid Posters Aren’t Such A Good Idea (bookmark)

Usually, a paid poster is hired to attract visitors/business to a Web site. A paid poster recommends that Web site under the guise of a user/customer. However, a paid poster may also be hired to verbally bash a Web site’s competition with false allegations of poor customer service. It’s understandable Netflix would hire paid posters initially for promotion yet this period has come to pass: the average person has heard Netflix. Is there any benefit in Netflix's continued use of paid posters? I don’t think so. In fact, it could be counterproductive. Let's assume Netflix hires several hundred or possibly several thousand paid posters. Those several thousand paid posters can shill all they want yet it pales in comparison to the public opinion generated by Netflix's 6.7 million customers and the whopping 9.9 million who tried Netflix and quit.

One reason Netflix's membership has dropped is due to word of mouth—people now know Netflix isn't as great as advertisements claim. That's why paid posters really stand out when they spew Netflix propaganda. Netflix bashing their competitors only bashes the online DVD rental industry as a whole--Netflix scares off their own customers with these kinds of posts. Worst of all, Netflix places their customer trust at risk by using paid posters. It's only a matter of time before a scandal results from Netflix paid posters.

Links: 

Customer Trust Is Not An Option – It’s A Matter Of Survival
Sell with Honey for Lasting Success
Bashing Your Competition

Spotting Netflix Paid Posters (bookmark)

1. Always bash competitors--They may compliment competitors but ultimately put them down
2. Always say Netflix is better--If they don’t say it the first post they’ll mention it in subsequent postings
3. Inflate number of rentals Netflix ships
4. Deny throttling--If admit throttling will usually inflate number of rentals Netflix ships or ameliorates throttling with statements such as “but you’re still getting a good deal”
5. Describe Netflix as same day or next day shipments (don't bet on it)
6. Persistently threaten to switch from competitor to Netflix
7. Out of the blue other subscriber(s) agree with paid poster’s complaints (all are one in the same)
8. Posts frequently (paid per post)
9. Display an unusual of knowledge on Netflix business model or US postal service (normal people don't care)
10. Often claim to be US postal workers
11. Posts sound like Netflix advertisements

Links:

Stock Bashing 101--Learn what makes a Netflix shill tick.

August 19, 2007

Netflix: Wrong DVD # 6

Netflix has a 4 set collection of Armored Trooper Votoms Stage 1: Uoodo City.  After watching the 2nd disc I realized something was wrong--they were all episodes I already seen.  I found the answer at GreenCine.  There are 2 versions of Armored Trooper Votom Stage 1.  Netflix shipped disc 1 of the 2006 version then shipped disc 2 of the 2002 version. 

Armored Trooper Votom Stage 1
Cover Artwork
Studio	US Manga Corps Video	Nutech Digital Inc
Released	03/07/06	01/01/02
Discs	2	4
Episodes	1-13	1-13

I've tried to report mistakes like this to Netflix but they ignore it.

If you're renting anime, please be careful you rent the correct version.  I had been renting Ranma 1/2 from GreenCine and made a similar error when renting from Blockbuster Online.  Blockbuster's Ranma 1/2 Random Rhapsody vol. 2 (2001) is a different version than GreenCine's (2003).

Ranma 1/2 Random Rhapsody vol. 2
DVD Artwork
Studio	Viz Video	Viz Video/Pioneer
Released	09/16/2003	06/19/2001
Episodes	6-10	4-6

Paid Posters: Are You Talking to One of Them? (bookmark)

Whenever you hear the mention or suggestion of Netflix on message boards consider this.  Has the person recommending Netflix been paid to do so?  When it comes to recommendations on Netflix, it's "important that you take the information you receive with a grain of salt. It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine whether or not you are receiving genuine information or information from an individual who is getting paid to post whatever they want or even a particular opinion."

Here's an example of Netflix paid posting.  A providing paid posters for clients asks prospective paid posters to demonstrate their skills: "Please post fifteen forum posts at TalkWhatever and tell us the username you used. These posts are not paid as they are part of the application process. Please be sure to create new threads and to post in several categories. DO NOT DISCLOSE you are coming from PaidPostingTools." Read .  Currently, there are at least 3 Netflix paid posters on GreenCine's discussion board going by the names of xiaoxiao, FGaipa, and jnissel.  I admire GreenCine for having an open forum for their members.  Unfortunately, Netflix takes advantage of that fact.

Links:

What Is Astroturfing?
What is Black PR?-- "Then there’s ‘black PR’, which is unambiguously unethical because it deliberately denies people the honest information they require to make reasonable decisions."

August 16, 2007

GreenCine:  Missing Rental #6

I've never had a bad experience until recently.   It's not so much my rental never made it back to GreenCine--it's the way it was handled.  If e-mail is the only means GreenCine customers can contact customer service then customers should have their e-mail answered promptly.  To be fair, GreenCine is in the midst of relocating their San Francisco warehouse to Van Nuys, California.  The transition did not go smoothly and GreenCine apologizes to all their customers.  Apparently, e-mail communication was/is affected as a result of the move.  Looking forward to better days.  GreenCine is still my favorite.

PS: I did report this as theft to the US Postal Inspection Service.

August 15, 2007

4 Years Later:  Netflix Improves

I can't say much for their ethics however my customer experience with Netflix has improved.  First, I've had less problems with broken rentals.  Second, Netflix has been a little more generous with my monthly allotment.  Fewer broken rentals and more generosity translates into more anime for my money.  My cost per rental was $1.27 for my 4th year.  Compare that to $1.52 in my 2nd year.

Period	Cost	Rentals	Correct Playable Rentals	% Problems	Cost Per Correct Playable Rentals
1st yr	$465.84	374	358	4.3%	$1.30
2nd yr	$375.14	262	247	5.7%	$1.52
3rd yr	$228.84	164	160	2.4%	$1.43
4th yr	$228.84	183	180	1.6%	$1.27
Total	$1,298.66	983	945	3.9%	$1.37

Netflix really throttled my second year with them.  I was working part-time (nursing burnout) and had plenty of spare time to watch anime--which made Netflix's throttling painfully obvious.  Don't get me wrong.  Netflix still throttles my shipments.  I'm just used to it now.  I found out the hard way Netflix's 8-at-a-time plan isn't worth it.  I get more DVD's per dollar with their standard plan.

It's understandable to have more rental problems with higher rates of shipments (3 vs. 8-at-a-time plan) yet 2-3 broken rentals every month was too much. 

References: Netflix rental history, Excel spreadsheet, stats page, billing history.

August 10, 2007

Netflix: A Victim Of Its Own Spyware (bookmark)

Like a junkie with a monkey on his back, Netflix can't seem to stop itself when it comes to spyware.  Netflix spyware has gotten so out of hand that the company is now attacking itself.  How do you ask?  Netflix unknowingly pays affiliates to attack Netflix's Web site with spyware.  Prospective customers who visit Netflix receive pop up Netflix advertisements.  Customers sign up for Netflix via pop ups instead of from Netflix's Web site.  Thus, Netflix unnecessarily pays affiliates for customers who would have signed up anyways.  Netflix must be handing out serious amounts of cash because of this problem according to Benjamin Edelman:

Related posts:

Netflix Continues Spyware
Consumer Reports: Netflix Spyware
Netflix in the Company of Spyware
Netflix Continues To Use Spyware
Netflix With 2 More Spyware Companies
Spyware Company Lists Netflix As Client
How Netflix Uses Spyware (diagram)
Netflix Funding Spyware?
Netflix Linked To Pornography
Netflix Use Of Spyware Undisclosed To Subscribers
Netflix Settles Over Infringement Of Spyware Patents
Netflix Fan, Netflix, & Spyware
Netflix & Spyware:  "Where's The Proof?"
Blockbuster Traffic Rerouted To Netflix!
Netflix Reroutes Traffic Through Security Holes!

August 9, 2007

GreenCine: Discontinues Padded Envelopes (bookmark)

I thought it strange the last few GreenCine rentals I received had postage stamps on the outside instead of the usual "postage paid" marking.  This must have been in preparation of GreenCine's new envelopes.  Sadly, GreenCine has done away with the protective cardboard insert to prevent DVD damage.  Because of GreenCine protective packaging I have never received a broken DVD.  Compare that to 29 broken Netflix rentals and 21 broken Blockbuster rentals.  I don't believe GreenCine has made the right move.  The new envelopes open from the top like Blockbuster's except the flap folds up instead of down to seal and return.

GreenCine's New Envelope
Unopened	Inside Unsealed	Inside Sealed

August 2, 2007

Netflix Misleads Investors

Sixty-three percent of Netflix subscribers quit after one year however Netflix "inflates" their subscriber numbers for investors.  After fudging the numbers, Netflix claims only 14% of subscribers  quit after one year.

Netflix Churn Rate

Source: Bloomberg

Who Else Uses Netflix Fantasy Math?

When Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey was asked if any other businesses use Netflix's method for determining churn rate his response was, "I'm sure there are some, but I don't know them."  I'm pretty sure Enron used fantasy math too.

August 1, 2007

Re: Your New Lower Price

I received a letter from Netflix as a reminder my subscription plan is now a dollar less.  I don't care.  For the same cost in postage wasted on useless drivel Netflix could have sent me another rental!  Just remember we've been scammed out of another rental.

Out Of Print Anime

Netflix must love me as I'm renting older anime titles--stuff most people don't watch.  One, it gives me a chance to see anime no longer for sale.  Second, I avoid anime series that are still in production until they're finished.  I've noticed many classic titles have gone out of print and are unavailable for rental leaving me no choice but to purchase from private sellers.  Purchasing anime from private sellers can be expensive yet it provides something to watch when Netflix doesn't deliver.

My online anime rental history

July Rental Stats

Cost/rental & turnaround computed using Price/Rental & Turnaround Calculator.  Services compared using rentals "returned" or "received" during July 2007.  Sixteen month Comparison.  Specific Rental problem listed here. 8/10/07 Correction: Missing rental found.

July 28, 2007

Missing Netflix Rental #1
Correction: Rental Found By Couch

I've been a Netflix subscriber since 2003.  None of my Netflix (almost 1,000) rentals have ever been lost during shipping until now.  I noticed that Dragon Ball: Red Ribbon Army Saga (disc1) had been shipped some time ago on July 11, 2007.  To be honest, I couldn't remember if it was a rental I was expecting or something I had already seen and returned.  After watching disc 2 I realized I hadn't seen disc 1 yet. 

8/5/07 Update: After watching disc 1 I realized I had rented it and only watched half of the disc.  Disc 1 was lost while returning it to Netflix.  Also, I did not return it to Salem, Oregon--I return all my rentals to Lansing, Michigan.  I either returned disc 1 in a Lansing return envelope by itself or with another rental.  It's most likely I returned disc 1 with another rental.  If disc 1 was returned in the same envelope with another rental and no other rental was lost, Netflix lost disc 1 in their Lansing center.

8/10/07 Update:  Guess what I found inside a box in the family room?  I'm quite embarrassed to tell you I found my missing rental.  I thought it was strange that I would only watch half of the DVD and return it.  Usually, I rate them at GreenCine after I return them--that wasn't done either.  I'm returning it in the mail.  Lesson learned:  don't put your rentals in strange places. 

July 24, 2007

Netflix Continues Spyware  (bookmark)

Netflix advertisements aren't supposed to be on my Web site but they are.

Immediately upon visiting Netflix's advertisement I received a spyware alert!

As a courtesy to my visitors, I have blocked this Netflix ad from my site.  Please report any such Netflix advertisement on this Web site.  Update 7/28/07: this ad continued to appear on my site as it used an alternative spelling as well--I blocked it as well.

Related posts:

Consumer Reports: Netflix Spyware
Netflix in the Company of Spyware
Netflix Continues To Use Spyware
Netflix With 2 More Spyware Companies
Spyware Company Lists Netflix As Client
How Netflix Uses Spyware (diagram)
Netflix Funding Spyware?
Netflix Linked To Pornography
Netflix Use Of Spyware Undisclosed To Subscribers
Netflix Settles Over Infringement Of Spyware Patents
Netflix Fan, Netflix, & Spyware
Netflix & Spyware:  "Where's The Proof?"
Blockbuster Traffic Rerouted To Netflix!
Netflix Reroutes Traffic Through Security Holes!

Netflix: A Taste Of Its Own Medicine

Netflix has enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet of paying customers while at the same time limiting its unlimited service to customers. I've said throttling would backfire. Customers resent being labeled. Give customers a choice and they'll go elsewhere—and that's exactly what they did. That's the price paid for arrogance and greed.  Unfortunately, Netflix will make up losses by throttling its remaining subscribers.

Washington Post: Netflix Reports First Drop In Subscriptions

July 8, 2007

Netflix Number Easier To Find (update)

Netflix finally made it easy for their customers to find the service number.  Next month marks my 4th year as a Netflix subscriber.  In all that time they've always hidden their number (unless you weren't a customer).  It now takes 3 pages to display Netflix's customer service number:

1
2
3

Still need more Netflix numbers?

July 2, 2007

June's Stats

Cost/rental & turnaround computed using Price/Rental & Turnaround Calculator.  Services compared using rentals "returned" or "received" during June 2007.  Fifteen month Comparison.  Specific Rental problem listed here. 

June 23, 2007

Use Care Cleaning DVDs

I recently rented Otaku No Video from Blockbuster Online.  Apparently, the last customer attempted to remove something sticky from DVD and scratched the hell out of it in the process.  My DVD player stopped when it came across the sticky spot as well.  I easily removed the sticky spot with a cotton-tipped swab and some non-acetone nail polish remover as I mentioned before.

June 21, 2007

May Stats

Cost/rental & turnaround computed using Price/Rental & Turnaround Calculator.  Services compared using rentals "returned" or "received" during September 2006.  Fourteen month Comparison.  Specific Rental problem listed here.  The say no news is good news.  I'm happy whenever I can go a month without receiving any broken rentals.

Missing GreenCine Rentals (bookmark)

I’ve received over 900 Netflix rentals without the US Post Office losing a single one so why do my GreenCine rentals come up missing in the mail? To date, 5 GreenCine Rentals have disappeared in the mail.  I find it strange that the rental company that provides me the fewest rentals loses the most in the mail. Statistically speaking, Netflix should be more problematic. Are GreenCine rentals being stolen in the mail? Are mailmen attracted to GreenCine’s racy advertising, “For those who like to watch”?

The US Postal Service is one of the most trusted agencies. The USPS’ Office of Inspector General recently assumed control over cases of mail theft by employees and contractors.  If you experience missing rentals in the mail please contact the US Postal Inspection Service.  Use this form to report mail theft (mail theft is described as mail that has not been received by you or mail that has been received with the contents of the article missing).  In my opinion, thieves are more likely to steal packages from the mail than plain envelopes.  Packages may contain something worth selling:  That's why GreenCine rentals get stolen.  Ironically, GreenCine's quality shipping measures, ensuring you get your DVD in one piece, may actually prevent delivery period.

June 4, 2007

Another Netflix "Customer" Satisfaction Survey

Here's another bogus survey from scum that uses University of Michigan's name without shame.  ForeSee claims Netflix tops their customer satisfaction survey except you won't find any "Netflix customers" mentioned throughout their entire report.  Why?  They manage to equate "web site browsers" as "customers."  Foresee concedes Web site browsers (visitors) are not customers but "potential" customers at best.

Read more about ForeSee.

May 21, 2007

Tough Decisions

When pressed for time watching anime takes precedence over Netflix griping.  All things considered, there wasn't that much to complain about.   My anime rental history (680KB).

Broken Blockbuster Rental #21

Blockbuster was unable to resolve their queue glitch.  They were unable to remove the replacement for Reign: The Conqueror vol. 2 from my queue.  Unfortunately, the replacement arrived broken as well. 

Rental Stats: February, March & April

April

Service	Monthly Cost (tax included)	Rentals Delivered	Broken Rentals	Cost/Rental*	Rentals/ Week
Netflix	$19.07	14	0	14@ $1.36 ea	3.2
Blockbuster	$19.07	13	1	12@ $1.59 ea	2.8
GreenCine	$21.95	8	0	8@ $2.74 ea	1.8
Total	$60.09	35	1	34@ $1.77 ea	7.8

March

Service	Monthly Cost (tax included)	Rentals Delivered	Broken Rentals	Cost/Rental*	Rentals/ Week
Netflix	$19.07	14	0	14@ $1.36 ea	3.2
Blockbuster	$19.07	16	2	14@ $1.36 ea	3.2
GreenCine	$21.95	13	0	13@ $1.69 ea	3
Total	$60.09	43	2	41@ $1.47 ea	9.4

February

Service	Monthly Cost (tax included)	Rentals Delivered	Broken Rentals	Cost/Rental*	Rentals/ Week
Netflix	$19.07	15	1	14@ $1.36 ea	3.2
Blockbuster	$19.07	12	0	12@ $1.59 ea	2.8
GreenCine	$21.95	9	0	9@ $2.44 ea	2.1
Total	$60.09	36	1	35@ $1.72 ea	8

Cost/rental & turnaround computed using Price/Rental & Turnaround Calculator.  Services compared using rentals "returned" or "received" during September 2006.  Thirteen Month Comparison.  Specific Rental problem listed here.

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