Bits and Pieces

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Netflix community

'Hacking Netflix' mentions a new feature on Netflix. That which allows you to build-and-share-lists with friends. It's not standard yet. Gmail-like invites are being sent out to the special few! [Ours is not in]

Learn more.

Much before this, Listology introduced a similar concept on its domain and also added a "Netflix Queue Tracker" project very recently. Which in description "...allows users to keep a log of their rentals, not only in terms of when Netflix ships and receives movies, but when the user receives and returns movies. With enough data, we can then create reports that illuminate shipping times, turnaround time, postal latency, Netflix latency, etc." Jim Biancolo (of Listology) keeps track of the progress in the Distribution Center Codes collection here.

Elsewhere:
Netflix search by an 'Indian geek'.
Netflix fee calculator [enable javascript].

Update:
Amazon begins DVD rentals in Britain

posted by pradeep | Permalink | (8)

8 Comments:

I used to subscribe to Netflix when it had only 1 distribution center in 2001. Then said goodbye and then rejoined last year in Boston when they had a shipping center in Worcester. They do a good job and with the new price cuts, I want to get back in. I did read about the Friends program and Netflix hoping itll revvup their subscriber numbers. Lets see where it goes.

rp

By The Last Blogger, at 3:26 PM

ada po man, the wait at netflix seems to be never ending :(

By saranyan r, at 10:52 AM

We have been Netflix members since '03 summer and no complaints thus far.
Paran, guess latest releases keep you waiting.
Or it's just the distribution center thing.

By pradeep, at 11:22 AM

Ranga,
this certainly comes under the 'COOL companies' category that we discussed during last trip. Just dont see any competition.

By pradeep, at 11:25 AM

The funny thing is that while Netflix is by far the pioneer in the segment, Walmart and Blockbuster are threats. Hence when Blockbuster cut the monthly rental price, Netflix was forced to do the same. It just shows how the corporate culture works. You could be the pioneer but if you dont continuously innovate and keep up with the competition, rest assured you'll be buried.

By The Last Blogger, at 3:10 PM

Walmart and Blockbuster are nothing more than also-rans.

Customers are typically loyal to a brand unless the company does something extremely weird. Netflix' 'Drop in fee' measure must have been only to lure new customers (away from w'mart & Bl'buster) and not as much to retain enthusiasts. Thats my opinion.

By pradeep, at 4:10 PM

I agree with you but still Walmart is a behemoth like MS. They crush competition with margins. Read this quote from an article you linked to for the amazon in Britain piece.
"Netflix, the market leader in the United States, has announced plans to launch a U.K. service sometime this year. In an attempt to fend off fierce competition from Blockbuster and Wal-Mart Stores, it has slashed its subscription price and launched a networking feature that lets friends share their rental lists."

By The Last Blogger, at 9:33 AM

Going by your own example, Netflix could then be viewed as the Google of DVD rentals. The analogy is complete if you look at the innovators in their respective fields. I see Amazon's entry as the first serious threat to Netflix' dominance.

Been reading reports on why Netflix had to drop their fee, as well. But I just didnt see how the other two could've gained grounds. Net-savvy users can readily vouch for Nflix' ease of use. Which in the virtual world is a clinching factor. [Guess, this could go on as a whole new post...but let's wait & watch how Amazon strikes. Thats the Real Game!]

By pradeep, at 9:01 PM