It looks like Netflix might be planning to split their online streaming service and their DVD mail order in two separate business entities after all. Current users will notice that content, including reviews and site searches, have been made completely separate. In other words, if they don’t stream the movie you search for, it won’t even appear in the search results.
Reviewers and fans searching for recommendations based on what they know they like could find this change frustrating. On the other hand, I like that movies and television shows which are not available, don’t even show up. It avoids the confusion of trying to figure out why it won’t play.
There is no official word that these two services are becoming two different businesses yet, but it could be coming. As you may remember, Netflix was planning to take that plunge last year, but nothing ever came of it. I’ll be watching to see what happens with Netflix in the coming weeks. We’ll keep you updated.
In the meantime, here’s what people on Twitter have to say about the changes on Netflix:
Wait, what?
@Netflix further demonstrates that they don’t understand their own business. http://t.co/TG3Is9TB
@netflix through it all?I’ve defended it through all the stupid little squabbles. But this is dumb http://t.co/tr9B2IYi
I have stood by