Netflix:Also to Blame

I'm sure you can follow at least a few posters, and find a trail of angered eloquence documenting the problems with modern production, broadcast and cable companies in terms of new media. I know I'm not the only one.

And that's fair, broadcast companies haven't done enough on the new media fronts. Production companies haven't embraced them yet. And the large masses are barely new to a fully streaming content load.

But you know who else hasn't done enough? The streaming companies. At least not publicly.

We need to turn the finger, sure we talk about the glorious Netflix, the harbinger of all that is new and amazing in the digital world. The future really. It will dethrone physical media (probably not). It will bring in new availability of exposure for the independents. And world peace. Always world peace.

But have they really done enough? I'm going to say no. And here's why.

1) Advertising - Hulu has it, but can't really make a buck from it. Netflix doesn't have it for some unknown reason. It's time to bring those dollars home. Advertising is ok, and those against advertising should have to pay for every single thing that they do. We shouldn't assume that we don't need it. It's what funds MOST of our media. So let's find peace with it. 2 minute commercial breaks are nothing. Streaming or not.

2) Statistics - This is a data driven world. All TV revenue projections go through Nielsen's as it is. It's time for the Streaming companies to band together and find a solution:
a. Either they must individually have publicaly available stats, pushing the envelope for all to see
b. Or band together and create the arse: Alliance for Streaming Statistics (or they can come up with their own name). Pool their resources and start to track this. And release it like Box Office numbers. DO THIS NOW.

3) Cross Promotional Efforts - It's time for Netflix and Hulu to begin more cross-promotional efforts. It seems like they rely ONLY on their websites and advertising their plans. Find a way to market every way. Have cost-effective agreements. Find a way to profit TOGETHER. And prove that you can.

Look if studios aren't going to give series a better "After Season" marketing effort, then just default to Netflix a little more.

4) Community - Face it, both Netflix and Hulu have very weak communities. Community is the future of the now. Build one.

5) User Interface - As clean as Netlfix is, it doesn't provide me with enough information if I choose. What about a better release calender that loads more quickly? A better suggestion engine (I've rated 3,600 movies and it tells me I need to rate more movies to suggest anything else). A better organization than just genres. A better tagging system.

Maybe, just Maybe, A self-released Netflix Release Show that rates new and old releases, makes recommendations and is connected to the website.

6) Better and More distinct Payment plans - Notice I didn't say cheaper. I'm willing to pay double for more content. I'm willing to pay triple for new content closer to air dates.


Any other suggestions?