Netflix simply rules
I commented about one of my birthday gifts, 3 months of free Netflix in a prior post.
Now the 3 months is coming to an end, we are brought to a decision, should we keep Netflix?
We probably will. I normally do not rent that many movies. I have spells, where I will grab two or three movies within the month, if time allows me on a weekend. That is also dependent upon anything decent is out.
So if I don't rent that many movies to begin with, why is Netflix so cool?
1) The ability to view movies online, anytime. Netflix refers this as "Instant viewiing". I would like to see more options of the tv series for online viewing. I have been able to view many shows, I normally would not have seen. Namely, MI5, Sleeper Cell, documentaries such as Super High Me, ect. What's really nice is the ability to view without waiting. I must say, this particular function of Netflix has spoiled me. The normal turnaround of movies is 2 days. However, one you begin using 'Instant View', those 2-3 days seem longer. This has also provided a means to introduce me to great viewings, I wouldnt have otherwise known or been interested in spending money to "try". Normally at a video store, you put out the money to "try" a title, only to be disappointed with it. Whereas, on instant viewing you try out titles and if it sucks, you only wasted some time on it.
2) Search functions for movies. No more calling up the local video store or trolling through the store for a movie. Netflix boasts to have over 100K titles. That sounds good, but realistically for each individual, they are not going to want to watch them all. So each individual would need to view his/her interest within Netflix's database. I find the search easy for Netflix. 
You can simply look for any title, via the search function or Netflix actually has a cool "More like this". This tab shows similar titles of interest upon the one your currently viewing. It's a great means to see a title you may not had known, but falls in the same genre of your interest.
3) One monthly balance. When I was running to the video store, the cost was dependent upon how many titles I chose. Whereas Netflix, you know how much your monthly cost of video renting will be. It remains the same, dependent upon your choice of programs. This may seem silly, but in the long run and on budgets, it worthy to be noted.
4)The rating system. Regarding the personal rating system, I am sure it has more implication on the movies Netflix offers than I am aware of. What's nice is the option 'not interested'. This immediately flags certain genres that you do not want to clutter your screen upon browsing for interested subject material. 
Netflix continues to try to get you to "rate more movies". I suppose this is to help streamline those possible titles that interest you. It's a great idea. However, what I would like to see is 'family rating' and 'individual rating'. Each household would have different likes/dislikes and it would be interesting to allow up to 4 (for example) household members to rate. This would allow each individual within the home the means to narrow down and possibly open up additional options of viewing.
Although the rating system is comprised for a means to mold your interest, it at times seems restrictive. I wonder if I rated some thing differently, would more diverse titles be shown to me? Yet after 1000 ratings, I really don't want to go back and 'play' with them to see.
As I mentioned earlier, I would like to see a multiple rating option per family member.
I would like to see their database opened up to allow programmers to create their own search engines. This may already exist somewhere, but it would be interesting to see an open API, or protocol to allow personal search engines to be created.
I really can't think of anything else. I might write another article as I learn more of Netflix. I would say, it's definitely worth checking out.
They have a deal of 4.99 per month offer, currently. Check out the top of the blog to hit the Netflix button.
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