Netflix vs Blockbuster with Blu-ray discs

So, I was originally a Blockbuster online subscriber when they had a very nice setup, something like $20 for 3 movies out with unlimited exchanges in store, and 2 coupons for free rentals in store that could be used for games as well. Blockbuster decided that they were providing a too good of a deal, and raised the price, removed the coupons and generally did a bunch of stuff that made me want out.

I looked into netflix, which was just starting to offer free online streaming, and since I have a 360, it seemed like it might be a good deal. I signed up, $12.99 a month with $1 for blu-ray access. While I’m not sure I like the idea of a premium for blu-ray, I decided to deal with it.

Cut to yesterday. It seems that netflix decided that providing blu-ray movies is worth charging those users more money. My current plan will jump to $16.99/mo, 2 movies out at a time, unlimited mail exchanges per month.

Blockbuster’s 2 a month unlimited mail exchange plan is $16.99/mo, no blu-ray premium (you get them by default) AND here’s the bonus: 3 in-store exchanges per month.

Netflix, unless something changes very quickly, you’ve lost me as a customer, since you’re not providing the same value for my money.

AIG Bonuses, what to do? Job or bonus. Pick one.

Job or bonus. Pick one. There are plenty of people out there that would kill to have a job, let alone a bonus. There are hundreds of people every day being given a choice: Job or paycut. And I’ll give you one guess which one they’re picking.

For each person in AIG getting a bonus, publish their name, and the amount of the bonus in the NYTimes. While this wouldn’t fly with a private company, it would seem that I own 80% of that company now. I feel that I should know who we’re paying millions of dollars to return the biggest loss in US history…

merb and dreamhost followup

If you deploy a merb application on dreamhost using passenger, be sure you remove the .htaccess file inside the public directory. It seems to cause some issues when you go to any other action besides the root.

Roundy’s – Pick n’ Save just doesn’t get it…

I shop at Pick n’ Save and I bring along my own bags. I bought them at Sam’s club. They are very large, and generally my whole weekly trip fits in two bags. I usually get a credit of $0.05 per bag. It is was a nice bonus.

I was informed by a cashier last weekend that the credit will ONLY go to people using bags SOLD by Pick n’ Save with their logo on them. I can be “green” and be rewarded but only if I choose to use your bags? You don’t get it. I don’t do it for the nickle. I’m guessing most people aren’t doing it for the nickle either, but to say “You’re not worth supporting in your effort because you didn’t FUND our efforts ahead of time” is just dumb.

I figured maybe the cashier was wrong, so I emailed Roundy’s corporate. Here’s the response. (My emphasis)

Mr. Or Ms. Geiger,

Thank you for taking the time to contact Roundy’s with your inquiry regarding the Bag Recycling Credit.

Customers will receive a .05 Cent incentive to have their groceries packed in Roundy’s Reusable Bags. The bag refund only applies to Roundy’s Reusable Bags, not other retailers nor plastic bags, paper bags or cardboard totes.

If a Customer chooses to double their Roundy’s Reusable bags they will receive a single refund for each doubled bag. All stores will participate in the bag refund program.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Again, thank you for contacting Roundy’s. We appreciate your patronage.

Sandra Price
Customer Service Specialist
ROUNDY’S SUPERMARKETS, INC.
Ref# 471802

Just sad.

iLife Support

I find it kind of funny that Apple has a OS update that includes iLife Support.

Apple screws up the Mac Pro “refresh”

I was ready to buy one, that is until Apple screwed it up. Who in their right mind would pay $3000 for a NEW computer with a video card that’s two generations old.

You don’t go buy a BWM if only audio option is an 8-track.