Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Analysis of Netflix's DVD Allocation System

Posted by michael on from the scientific-method dept.

dvd_rent_test writes "Netflix uses the number of movies you have previously rented to determine your priority in getting movies. The more movies you rented during your last billing cycle, the less chance you have of receiving a movie versus an individual who has rented fewer movies. This is why new users have great success getting their movies and older or heavy users have a difficult time getting some movies."

6 of 517 comments (clear)

  1. What will the MPAA say? by xchino · · Score: 4, Funny

    I mean, after all, waiting for movies has got to be increasing piracy ratings. It should only be fair that %93 of Netflix's profits go back into the MPAA to make up for lost sales caused by people waiting on movies.

    --
    Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's just that yours is stupid.
  2. Can't We Just Blame Microsoft or Something? by Snowspinner · · Score: 5, Funny
    In the screenshot above Netscape was used to display account "A" while Internet Explorer was used to simultaneously show account "B".

    And, of course, the account B was the new one that was having an easier rental time. So it must be that Netflix gives better rental times to people who use Internet Explorer! Microsoft owns everything!

    --
    Philip Sandifer's academic website
  3. discrimination? by mstra · · Score: 5, Funny
    ...and older or heavy users have a difficult time getting some movies

    I, for one, thing it is *appalling* that NetFlix would discriminate against the elderly and the fat-assed.

    m.

    --
    Photography, technology, and my dog Scout - http://mattstratton.com
  4. Worse... by Richy_T · · Score: 4, Funny
    If you're watching movies, you won't be listening to music. If you're not listening to music, you won't be buying it. Therefore RIAA deserves a slice too.

    Rich

  5. Re:This is a manufactured problem by trix_e · · Score: 5, Funny

    yeah, I'm sure the MPAA thinks this is a *fantastic* idea.

    Provide easy access to commercial-grade dupe equipment to thousands of teens around the US making minimum wage working in a store full of source material.

    Hmmmm... I wonder why they haven't done this yet?

    --
    No man is an island, but Gary is a city in Indiana.
  6. A wait can be a good thing by EvilStein · · Score: 4, Funny

    .. half the movies my girlfriend picked out have "Very long wait" which means that it's just that much longer that I won't have to suffer through watching "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood."

    As a prize, I got "I'm gonna git you, sucka!" nice and early. ;)