When Netflix announced that they were splitting their instant streaming from the DVD-by-mail service, offering them as separate plans, people were pissed. Anyone taking advantage of the free instant streaming that the DVD-by-mail option allowed for, would now have to pay another, separate monthly fee if they wanted to keep their instant streaming.
Netflix heard the cries, and has issued an apology, and they're taking a new direction entirely. Here's what Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings emailed to me personally this morning (I am so cool):
Dear Anthony,
I messed up. I owe you an explanation.
Damn right you do, bitch! Awww Reed, you didn't have to. Mr. Hastings explains the reasoning for the initial split as something that was always planned, and as something that is necessary if they're to grow their instant-streaming offering. OK, we'll buy it. We want it to be better, too.
The best part of this email from Hastings, ol' Greedy Reedy says that they're now calling the DVD-by-mail service "Qwikster" while the instant streaming will remain under the Netflix wing. Even better, Qwikster will begin offering PS3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii titles in the very near future. Likely as a response to Redbox and their recent push to offer video games.
I didn't see this coming, did you? Thanks for the personally addressed email, Reed.
