Last month, Netflix announced that they were splitting their services into two separate companies. Their through-the-mail DVD service would be rebranded as Qwikster and include video game rentals, while their internet streaming services would keep the Netflix name. The split would mean customers would need two separate accounts on two different websites to get the same service they do today. The announcement went over like a fart in church and the backlash was felt around the web. Today, CEO, Reed Hastings, revealed in his blog that they have reconsidered the split and will now remain one service, under one website and that Qwikster is now dead.
Netflix spokesman, Steve Swasey, said “We underestimated the appeal of the single web site and a single service. We greatly underestimated it.” We think the Elmo-loving stoner that owned the Qwikster Twitter account, had something to do with this. The reversal is sure to make many customers happy, but the whole ordeal makes the Netflix leadership seem wishy-washy. The one benefit that Qwikster had to offer was the inclusion of video game rentals, but this appears to be in jeopardy. When asked about video game rentals, Swasey said it was "to be determined." Ruh roh. It sounds like there are more disappointments coming our way.
[via New York Times]
