Netflix To Americans: Drop Dead
By Wyatt Earp | September 23, 2010
Are you a fan of Neflix? Because Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is not a fan of you.
THR: American services when they enter the Canadian market typically charge the locals more than they charge stateside. Why the discount for Canadians?
Hastings: We want to provide an incredible value for Canadians, and it’s the lowest price we have anywhere in the world for unlimited screenings. And anyone can try it for free for a month. It’s pretty addictive.
THR: Are you concerned that American Netflix subscribers will look north and ask for the same discount Canadians get at $7.99?
Hastings: How much has it been your experience that Americans follow what happens in the world? It’s something we’ll monitor, but Americans are somewhat self-absorbed.
You see what Hastings is saying here, don’t you? He’s saying that American Netflix customers are too stupid and “self-absorbed” to figure out Canadian customers get a discount on his services. That’s a guy who I want to give my hard-earned money to.
Topics: WTF? | 17 Comments »
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:16 pm
What was that? I’m sorry. I was picking my toes and wondering if this skirt makes my butt look fat.
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Keep in mind that the Canadian dollar is worth slightly more than the US dollar. $7.99 in Canada is close to $8.25 US, which is only $0.74 cheaper for Netflix than in the US. Also, I don’t think the Canadian deal includes DVD rental, just online streaming. The $8.99 package in the US includes both. It would appear that it may actually be Canadians that Mr. Hastings is playing for saps, fooling them into thinking they’re getting a better deal than the suckers south of the border. Just my $.02(US).
September 23rd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I’m self absorbed? Tell me something I didn’t already know. I don’t give a damn, I love my Netflix dearly! I don’t mind a bit that our neighbors to the north pay less for their subscription. They pay more for wireless and gas. I sleep better at night knowing they have a little leftover for tourtière and Yukon Jack.
September 23rd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
He seems to be another Bill Gates: a guy who overcharges Americans for the software his engineers develop, then takes millions his comapny pays him, sets up a non-profit foundation, and funnels money into anti-poverty projects in third world companies. Granted, it is his money, but if it was me, I’d either lower the prices on my company’s products, give nice bonuses to the developers in my company, or fund anti-poverty projects inside the USA.
September 23rd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Oops. That should read “third world countries.” My bad.
September 23rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Kim – I had to stop typing because I found something shiny.
John D – Even so, why is he such a sarcastic prick about it? We don’t follow what happens in the world? Frak you, douchebag!
Mrs. Crankipants – You’re an anti-Canadite!
Robert B. – The thing is that Netflix has such a good reputation. Why sully that with assholish remarks?
September 23rd, 2010 at 4:55 pm
I don’t really understand why people are upset that they are charging less for an inferior product. They aren’t the same services or plans between the two countries – similar, but not the same. In all honesty, they should be paying less for what they are getting – no dvds and limited streaming selection. Whereas, for about a buck more, the US version gives you a dvd and a wider library of streaming content.
The self-absorbed bit was bad PR-speak, but also a bit of honesty in it. How many of the millions of Netflix subscribers in America are really going to pay attention to the price of Netflix subscriptions in Canada?
September 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Bitter – I took that crack as more general than specific, especially with the self-absorbed remark. And that was what I was railing about. The guy is a knucklehead, but he doesn’t have to be. Be thankful that you have a successful business, even thought you may think your customers are stupid.
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Now I am really pissed and when I get pissed I act!
I have used Netflix for about 6 months and it was OK. However, with the release of their lower pricing to CEO Hasting’s socialist cousins in Kanada and his disgusting insults to my country and my fellow American patriots, I JUST CANCELLED THE NETFLIX SERVICE. CEO Reed Hastings can kiss my proud American ass!
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Watuschskie – Wasn’t my intention to have you cancel. I just wanted to let everyone know about this tool. If people like the service, awesome. If not, not.
September 23rd, 2010 at 8:45 pm
American to Netflix: Drop dead.
September 23rd, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Bob – America to Netflix: Drop Trow!
September 24th, 2010 at 12:03 am
I’m glad that I canceled netflux. I spent 22 years of my life defending our wonderful country and I just don’t take any anti’American shit like that!
September 24th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Watuschskie – Okay, I just don’t want people taking my advice. I’m just a big, dumb guy.
September 24th, 2010 at 1:05 am
Keep in mind that the Canadian dollar is worth slightly more than the US dollar. $7.99 in Canada is close to $8.25 US, which is only $0.74 cheaper for Netflix than in the US.
Actually, at the moment $1.00Cdn = $0.968US …the US dollar is always worth more than ours but the gap has closed considerably since Obumbles took office
September 24th, 2010 at 2:25 am
Of course, this is the same tool that said that we dont pay enough in taxes, and should be taxed at a much higher rate…..
I have never given netflix one cent…..and never will
September 25th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Glad to know my decision to not give Hastings any of my business was the right decision.