Netflix Mail Service Now Known As Qwikster; Offering Video Games At Launch

Despite massively negative feedback from fans of their service over the past few months for the various changes that they’ve made, things are still changing on the Netflix front.  So much so, that in a way, we may not even be able to call it the “Netflix” camp any longer.

In an  unforeseen  change of events, the company has recently announced that they have not only split up their mail service and their online service respectively, but has even given the former an entirely new name.  Now known as Qwikster, Netflix has sent the web world on fire with this out-of-the-blue name change, with most coming down on the negative side of this apparently one-sided debate.

While there happens to be the occasional supporter of this change, the Twittersphere is decidedly negative, and, at least this writer, has to agree.  Personally, this name change does absolutely nothing, so little in fact, that I don’t see this doing anything but hurting the company in the long run.  Do I understand the move? Yes.  The idea of breaking up the two services not only monetarily but also by name makes sense, however, without the Netflix name at the forefront (yes, it is being promoted as “a Netflix company”), those new users may not be willing to use their service.  Could this be the opening a Blockbuster has been looking for? It obviously remains to be seen, but with all the negative buzz building in the Netflix camp, things aren’t looking up for the company with the red envelope.  At least film wise.  One thing this announcement does have in favor of the company who released it is that when Qwikster launches, it will bring with it a by-mail video game renting service.  That’s right, Netflix is getting video games.  It will be offered as an upgrade, so there is some sort of silver lining here.  However, this is far from the topic of conversation within the public sphere.  Here’s to hoping that changes.

What do you think? Is the video game option something that will entice you to keep the mail-order service? Or are you still on edge about keeping those envelopes coming?

Source Netflix