# DVD-by-Mail Services are now a status symbol, it seems **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 26, 2009, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877 "2009-03-26T16:18:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Jayn\_Newell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jayn\_Newell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayn_Newell)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2009, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/21 "2009-03-26T20:59:36Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > - note: I’ve never actually used a Zune, this was just an example of an inferior mp3 player. If they’re in fact awesome, don’t bother telling me about it, because I don’t care. See, here’s where you lose everyone who isn’t already on your side. I totally get the desire to plug your favourite product, but unless you’ve actually used the alternative, you don’t get to knock it as ‘inferior’. Partly because as soon as you do you’re going to have to explain why, and you can’t make a good argument for your choice if you’re not familiar enough with the others to compare them. (I have a Zune, so this statement immediately got my defenses up. I don’t know if the iPod really is better, as I’ve never used one. But the right thing to do is say “I don’t know anything about that product” or “why’d you go for that one?”, not “mine’s better”.) BTW, the Zune is pretty easy to use 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2009, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/22 "2009-03-26T21:18:34Z")
> [@Jayn\_Newell](#): > > See, here’s where you lose everyone who isn’t already on your side. I totally get the desire to plug your favourite product, but unless you’ve actually used the alternative, you don’t get to knock it as ‘inferior’. Partly because as soon as you do you’re going to have to explain why, and you can’t make a good argument for your choice if you’re not familiar enough with the others to compare them. Fair enough. Pretend for the sake of argument that in my example, **Jester** had used a Zune at some point, and is thus fully qualified to assert that the iPod is much better. (Which it probably is, iPods are pretty slick.) My point was that if he’s anything like my Apple fanboy friends, the impulse to correct people who compare Apple products to their non-Apple analogues and imply that they’re all basically the same is very strong. Apple as a brand has a lot of intangible value in terms of interface, usability and general coolness, which can’t be easily conveyed by mere statistics and which Apple fans tend to be somewhat…evangelical about. ---
**Author:** ![Jester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jester/32/8223_2.png) [@Jester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jester)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/23 "2009-03-26T21:31:20Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > Pretend for the sake of argument that in my example, **Jester** had used a Zune at some point… BLASPHEMY. I kid, I kid. It’s a very good point; Netflix wouldn’t have so many advocates if it didn’t deliver a solid experience to so many people. Honestly, I’m not expecting to come out of this as any sort of acolyte for Blockbuster, since my reasons are all utilitarian and my baseline assumption is that it’s not going to be anything fantastic. Had I done Netflix first, or should I switch to them at some point, I might even end up touting them to my friends, but at least I’ll have the experience with both of them to know for sure (and hopefully I won’t be smug or lame about it). ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2009, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/24 "2009-03-26T23:11:08Z")
I see your point, Jester, truly I do. I understand everything that everyone has been saying, and I can’t disagree. But deep down, somewhere where I can’t control it, I still think just ever so slightly less of you because you went with Blockbuster. I’m sorry. ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2009, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/25 "2009-03-26T23:53:06Z")
I’ve had both Netflix and Blockbuster, and I prefer Blockbuster. I’ve had both Windows and Macs, and I prefer Windows. I’m running Vista right now, and like it. I’ve had an iPod and a Zune, and prefer the Zune. I’ve had a PS3, and Xbox, and a Wii, and prefer the Wii. I am happy with those choices. Simultaneously, I have no problem with anyone who made the opposite choice. People who deride others for coming to a different conclusion then they? Snobs of the worst order, and best ignored. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2009, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/26 "2009-03-26T23:55:28Z")
People= herd animals. Never forget that. Your run with the herd, or you’re not part of the herd. If you don’t run with the herd don’t be surprised if the herd tries to trample your path. Yes, I speak this lesson with some bitterness, why do you ask? ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/27 "2009-03-27T00:24:52Z")
There is a Netflix [streaming box](http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Digital-Video-Player/dp/B001PIBE8I?tag=lword1-20&gclid=CNDg_6rrwZkCFUJM5QodRXTRtQ) that should work with your TV if you have high-speed internet. And $100. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/73ab20/32.png) [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/28 "2009-03-27T01:51:19Z")
> [@yoyodyne](#): > > There is a Netflix [streaming box](http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Digital-Video-Player/dp/B001PIBE8I?tag=lword1-20&gclid=CNDg_6rrwZkCFUJM5QodRXTRtQ) that should work with your TV if you have high-speed internet. And $100. As opposed to Block Buster which works with his dvd player without any extra costs/clogged internet lines. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/29 "2009-03-27T09:35:27Z")
> [@Jester](#): > > I’m a bit dubious about hooking the laptop up to TV, given that the TV itself is about ten years old (and about ten thousand pounds). S’what I get for getting it free from my buddy when he updgraded to an LCD. I think that if I ever brought an HDMI cable near my television it would somehow come to life and burn me at the stake for witchcraft. actually, the streaming videos to the tv are accomplished by a little extra box, sort of like another dvd player or cable box [my brother has one that streams netflix and is a bluray player] up to you, but i like the streaming feature and are getting the same bluray/netflix box that my brother has in a few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![sachertorte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sachertorte/32/3727_2.png) [@sachertorte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sachertorte)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/30 "2009-03-27T14:20:35Z")
I don’t have a strong feeling of ire towards Blockbuster; but I did find the editing of movies to be irksome. I’d be okay if they offered multiple versions, but not even giving me the choice is just too overbearing. I love Netflix. I have an irrational affinity for them. I look at Blockbuster as the “big player” trying to squish the novel start-up, and I can’t bring myself to support that. Netflix completely revolutionized the way my household watches TV. We use Netflix more than we use our TIVO! As the inventor of the DVD-by-mail model, I feel a weird loyalty to them. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/31 "2009-03-27T14:30:04Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Honestly, I can emphasize with your friends. It’s not a status symbol thing, it’s a vendetta thing. I really, really hated Blockbuster. Crappy selection, crappy service, but big enough that they could choke out smaller, local stores that were actually worth a damn. Plus, there was the whole thing about them stocking edited cuts of some movies. It’s a company that I’ve really, really wanted to fail for a long time, now. Of course, I haven’t rented from them in 10+ years, and I’ve never used their online service, so for all I know, none of those complaints apply anymore. But I still get a jerky knee when someone mentions them. Probably, it’s the same way with your friends. I’ve never gone to Blockbuster, not for ethical reasons but because I have a friend who owns a video store and I like to support her. So I’m clearly a little out of the loop. Anyway, what’s this about them stocking edited movies? ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/32 "2009-03-27T14:58:16Z")
Let me get this straight. You order a dvd online and have it sent to your home through the post office? And you expect that it will actually arrive at your mail pickup spot without the postal person pocketing it? Geez, you guys must have better postal service than the drunken crack addicts that Canada Post contracts to deliver our mail. ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/33 "2009-03-27T15:00:58Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > I’ve never gone to Blockbuster, not for ethical reasons but because I have a friend who owns a video store and I like to support her. So I’m clearly a little out of the loop. Anyway, what’s this about them stocking edited movies? I’m a Blockbuster Online member, and I’ve never heard this claim either. Some quick [Googling](http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=blockbuster+edited+movies&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=) brings up mostly sites that dispute the claim. So, I dunno. :dubious: I’ve no particular feelings, positive or negative, towards Blockbuster. Or Netflix, for that matter. Our initial choice of which DVD-by-mail service to subscribe to was admittedly pretty arbitrary, and I suppose we could easily switch to Netflix if we chose to. They seem so nearly identical in all ways that matter to us, though, that we’ve never been motivated to seriously consider it. (BB is ever so slightly better if the in-store returns are taken into account; it’s a feature we use sparingly, but I suppose it’s nice to have the option.) ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/34 "2009-03-27T16:26:56Z")
Just recently, I decided I wanted to get another DVD-by-mail service and investigated both Netflix and Blockbuster. I’ve used both in the past and what I liked most about Blockbuster was my ability to run in the store if I was hanging out with friends and we suddenly decided we wanted to see something. Let me tell you, I was flabbergasted when I saw their increase in prices. The plan that I previously had for the better part of a year for $17.99 had gone all the way up to $34.99. Ok, I thought, maybe I just need two dvds at a time- still $30 with unlimited in store exchanges (why would you get the limited plan anyway? The whole in store exchange thing is the entire benefit of having BB!). Still preferring the BB service, I gave their customer service line a call (waited on hold 20 minutes) and asked the girl if they were running any promotions. She said no. Well, there that went. I got Netflix. $16, 3 at a time. Online streaming. Beautiful. It blows my mind that anyone would pay $35 for the Blockbuster service. For that much, I can add all the movie channels, plus the On Demand version, to my cable with money to spare. ---
**Author:** ![teela\_brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d9b06d/32.png) [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/35 "2009-03-27T18:05:35Z")
Blockbuster edits movies? ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/36 "2009-03-27T20:22:19Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Let me tell you, I was flabbergasted when I saw their increase in prices. The plan that I previously had for the better part of a year for $17.99 had gone all the way up to $34.99. Ok, I thought, maybe I just need two dvds at a time- still $30 with unlimited in store exchanges (why would you get the limited plan anyway? The whole in store exchange thing is the entire benefit of having BB!). :eek: Maybe we got grandfathered in or something - we’re paying … ::checks:: … $21.64 per month (including tax) for BB’s 3-at-a-time plan. I think that plan was $17.99+tax when we started it, and the price has gone up once since then. ($19.99+tax? That looks about right…) No way in hell would I consider this plan worth $35 a month; if prices start to approach that level, we’re getting out. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/37 "2009-03-27T20:26:21Z")
I just checked the Blockbuster website. $35/month for unlimited DVDs through the mail and unlimited in-store movie exchanges. $20/month for unlimited DVDs through the mail and five free in-store exchanges. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/38 "2009-03-27T20:32:50Z")
> [@brad\_d](#): > > :eek: > > Maybe we got grandfathered in or something - we’re paying … ::checks:: … $21.64 per month (including tax) for BB’s 3-at-a-time plan. I think that plan was $17.99+tax when we started it, and the price has gone up once since then. ($19.99+tax? That looks about right…) > > No way in hell would I consider this plan worth $35 a month; if prices start to approach that level, we’re getting out. Yeah, another friend is still paying the price I used to have, but I’m guessing you guys just got in before they changed it. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I just checked the Blockbuster website. $35/month for unlimited DVDs through the mail and unlimited in-store movie exchanges. $20/month for unlimited DVDs through the mail and five free in-store exchanges. Right. I never said otherwise, but the fact still stands that limiting to 5 in store exchanges is . . . well, not a lot. Like I said, before, I had unlimited in store exchanges and three at a time for a whole lot less than $35. Them limiting the in store exchanges and raising their prices 40% (according to a bunch of sites I was searching through) just is bad business to me. So, Netflix I go to. ---
**Author:** ![Jester](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jester/32/8223_2.png) [@Jester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jester)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/39 "2009-03-27T20:35:15Z")
I’m doing the two-at-a-time unlimited plan, with three in-store exchanges a month. It is, if I recall correctly, around 17 bucks (19 after-tax). Given that there are maybe two evenings a month that I can actually watch a movie, that’s perfect for me; the in-store exchanges shall be utilized for weekends when I’m catching up on a TV series and need a quick exchange. Thirty-five bucks would, indeed, be too much, but I’m at home rarely enough that this pretty perfectly nestles into my lifestyle. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2009, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877/40 "2009-03-27T20:38:55Z")
> [@Uzi](#): > > Let me get this straight. You order a dvd online and have it sent to your home through the post office? And you expect that it will actually arrive at your mail pickup spot without the postal person pocketing it? > Geez, you guys must have better postal service than the drunken crack addicts that Canada Post contracts to deliver our mail. Not only that but, if your DVD fails to reach you (or make the return trip), Netflix doesn’t give you shit for it. I’m sure there’s a limit to their benefit of the doubt (“Hey, I lost 16 new releases this month!”) but the couple times I’ve had a missing/damage issue, they sent me a new copy of what I needed, no questions asked. Having never used BB’s DVD-by-Mail service I can’t speak for or against them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-by-mail-services-are-now-a-status-symbol-it-seems/490877.md?page=3)