Netflix Trials Social Networking Feature
Looking to boost its subscriber base in the face of growing competition from Blockbuster and Wal-Mart, Netflix is testing out a new form of marketing: social networking. The online DVD rental firm plans to allow members to invite friends to read their movie reviews and create linked relationships between reviewers. Subscribers will be able to easily view the opinions of those connected to them, instead of only those selected by Netflix.
NetFlix Lowers DVD Rental Pricing
Five months after raising its standard DVD rental subscription rate to $21.99, NetFlix has backtracked on the decision. Starting November 1, the company will now offer 3-at-a-time DVD movies for $17.99, in a bid to keep competitive with rental offerings from Blockbuster and Wal-Mart.
"Since our price increase in June, some of our members have expressed concerns about the new pricing," NetFlix wrote in an e-mail to subscribers. "We've listened to this feedback and are pleased to inform you that we're lowering the price of your Netflix 3-at-a-time program."