Pam and I returned to Blockbuster for the first time since 2002. That's how long we've been doing Netflix. We needed to rent a Playstation game for Cameron, my nephew. Can't get those with Netflix.
Cameron: I stood in line for 30 minutes! Just to rent a game. Do you appreciate your uncle, or what?
The experience reaffirmed my membership in--and now, I realize, unbridled devotion to--Netflix. For less than $20 a month, we get 3 videos at a time, with a two-day turnaround, which means we could probably watch 30 videos a month, if we really tried. Plus, we can stream scores of other videos directly to our TV or computer.
The experience today reminded me of the insanity that is Blockbuster:
Considering the convenience of Netflix, how does Blockbuster even stay in business?
Cameron: I stood in line for 30 minutes! Just to rent a game. Do you appreciate your uncle, or what?
The experience reaffirmed my membership in--and now, I realize, unbridled devotion to--Netflix. For less than $20 a month, we get 3 videos at a time, with a two-day turnaround, which means we could probably watch 30 videos a month, if we really tried. Plus, we can stream scores of other videos directly to our TV or computer.
The experience today reminded me of the insanity that is Blockbuster:
- Drive to the store, several miles away.
- Search for a parking spot in the terribly inadequate lot.
- Browse the shelves, trying to decide what to rent.
- The number of videos available is a tiny fraction of what you can get on Netflix.
- You end up selecting something that's available, whether or not it's what you really wanted.
- Stand in line for eons.
- High rental cost.
- Drive back to the store to return the videos within 5 days.
- Late fees (no late fees with Netflix).
Considering the convenience of Netflix, how does Blockbuster even stay in business?
Career-wise, I've been hanging around and writing about and cheering on churches and pastors for the past 25 years as my denomination's Communications Director.
Cameron says, "Thanks for thinking of me."
As for how Blockbuster stays in business? They're not. 2 or 3 stores in the South Bend area are already in the process of closing.