Dear Blockbuster
October 26, 2008 |
Dear Blockbuster Total Access:
We’ve been together since 2005. Our relationship started out so well. You were sending me great movies and coupons which let me rent more movies and video games in store! Then you went and did something even better. You told me I could exchange the movies you sent me in store for even more free movies. It was great. We really had a good thing going.
Then things started to change. I guess you realized your stores were no longer making any money. So before I could exchange a movie for a free rental, you made me weave through a maze of cheep candy and over-priced movie posters. Then, at the counter, you asked if I wanted to take advantage of the great deal on popcorn. Frankly, you were being too pushy and I felt a bit smothered.
Then you changed the rules. You told me I was no longer getting any coupons. In fact, I could now only exchange movies in store twice a month. You became too overbearing. I couldn’t take it any longer.
I hate to tell you this, but last Saturday I cheated on you. Netflix told me to give it a try, so I did. I didn’t want to at first, but their site was so much easier to use and recommended better movies. Sure, I can’t take stuff into a store with Netflix, but honestly Blockbuster, you’re stores are pretty old and disgusting. You really should clean every now and then. Besides, Netflix told me that by the middle of next month I’ll be able to download and watch movies on my XBox instantly and sometime soon I’ll be able to do that on my Mac too.
What I’m trying to say, Blockbuster, is that it’s over between you and me. We had some good times, but it’s time to go our separate ways. I’d like to say it’s not you, it’s me, but this time it really is you. I wish you the best in the future.
Signed,
Justin Cox
Ashley
October 26th, 2008 | 9:47 pm
You won’t regret it, I promise. Netflix owns me, and soon it will own you, too.
Matt
October 27th, 2008 | 7:31 pm
Look out for Hollywood. That company is changing fast, and 1 year from today, it will have far surpassed Blockbuster.
Justin
October 27th, 2008 | 9:09 pm
@Ashley: My first disk arrives tomorrow so I guess I should get ready to be owned. I’m not sure what that means.
@Matt: I can’t think of a single Hollywood Video here in town, but as far as the brick and mortar rental stores go, Blockbuster really has left an opening for competition.
Jen
October 28th, 2008 | 10:58 am
Try Redbox! For a buck a night you can rent new releases and return to any Redbox - which are at most grocery stores!
Steve Schneeberger
November 7th, 2008 | 10:30 am
On Saturday I rented a movie at Blockbuster and the clerk asked me if I knew of their new return policy. Thinking quickly of their policy over the last year of “no late fees” I wondered how it could get any better than that. So, I said “no.” Now, all movies are two day rentals with $1 penalty for every day it is late. Whoa! I’m over Blockbuster, too. I predict they’ll close all their stores within two years. I’ve had my BB card since 1989.