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Blockbuster Trying To Woo Disgruntled Netflix Customers

Posted by Soulskill on from the come-on-baby-remember-how-good-we-had-it dept.

jfruhlinger writes "'Netflix Customers, Say Hello to Blockbuster' is the subject line of an email making the rounds trying to convince customers to switch services in the wake of Netflix's contentious price hike. The bankrupt video store chain is now owned by DirectTV and has its own streaming service. How did Blockbuster even get these email addresses? Are its services really going to be cheaper and/or better than Netflix's in the long run? Is 'You'll hate us less than Netflix' really a viable business model?" Relatedly, reader assertation asks, "Can anyone suggest a streaming movie service that has a selection comparable to Netflix and will run on a computer using GNU/Linux?"

4 of 214 comments (clear)

  1. Linux support by m2vq · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Can anyone suggest a streaming movie service that has a selection comparable to Netfix and will run on a computer using GNU/Linux?

    No. There isn't one because Linux market share on desktop is so incredibly small that no one wants to put up with the cost of supporting those few users. Most normal people run either Windows, set-top box or some console like PS3. Even if someone were to make such service they would immediately get huge backslash for the need of DRM (demanded by copyright owners). Yes, continue to use Linux, I do too. But if you are not willing to come even a little bit forward (like, accepting DRM or closed binaries) don't cry about it when companies don't want to support it.

  2. DirecTV does not own Blockbuster by revjtanton · · Score: 5, Informative

    Dish Network picked up Blockbuster. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/06/us-blockbuster-dishnetwork-idUSTRE7351VA20110406 Also note the "Subsidiary of Dish Network" part here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockbuster_Inc.

  3. What about your local library ... by MacTO · · Score: 5, Informative

    I'm mentioning this because a lot of people forget that many public libraries have excellent video collections. It won't always be the latest and sometimes you'll have to wait for a popular movie, but most libraries also seem to share the same philosophy that GNU/Linux users share: the are advocates of freedom.

  4. But do they accept Bitcoin by bigsexyjoe · · Score: 5, Funny

    I would use Blockbuster if they accepted payment in Bitcoin.

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