Blockbuster's Netflix Killer
Submitted by jim on Fri, 07/16/2004 - 05:18
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Blockbuster has a beta site up of their Netflix clone. Compelling features include an advertisted fifth more titles than Netflix, two bucks cheaper, and two coupons each month for free in-store rentals. Tempting! I'll definitely give their free trial a whirl when they go live. « via Hacking Netflix »
Sounds VERY tempting, except that the coupons would be worthless to me. I went to Blockbuster to other day to get an account, and they won't let you have on without a CREDIT card. Not even a debit card will do it. You have to be debt-obsessed to even check out a videotape from Blockbuster stores. Conclusion? Unless they change this policy, FUCK Blockbuster.
I feel your pain. Although you're only debt-obsessed if you carry a balance. And I'm loving my Amazon Visa card. I charge everything (gas, groceries, etc.), and I keep getting $25 gift certificates as a reward. Anyway, I admire your desire to stay card-free, and to hate Blockbuster for muscling you.
Interesting...
I'm currently giving their in-store Netflix-clone program a whril. My local Blockbuster has severely beefed up its DVD stock; so far, so tasty...
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Oo yeah, is that the all-you-can-eat for $25/month plan? I'd be tempted by that too, if I drove by one on the way to work (but I don't). Definitely possible to get much higher throughput than with postal service-based plans. You can also pick what you watch (which is actually disasterous for me, as I've noted elsewhere - when I go into stores I browse new releases and rent crap - but when I put good stuff on a lists, I watch whatever comes to me).
Makes me happy to see you here! I'll give you a few days before I nag you for that Panic review. Or perhaps you hated it and you are trying to think of a way to let me down gently? Fire away, I say! :-)
Or perhaps 12-hour workdays plus numerous weekend engagements have conspired to keep me from watching it yet...
I have high hopes for this weekend, however. I've already mounted a vigorous campaign to convince my wife to watch it with me! (and watch the puns there, wiseguys... :) )
I also have copies of City of God, Yojimbo, The Gospel of John, and Read My Lips sitting on a chair in my living room, shamefully neglected now for two or three weeks... :(
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Ugh, 12-hour workdays. Enough to sink anyone into the pit of despair. And now that you're a good company man I assume you get no OT. My sympathies.
That City of God has been languishing gives me some idea as to your schedule. I know you were as disappointed as I when its release was delayed, and have been looking forward to it for some time.
Anyway, enjoy in your leisure time (if you get any)!