Netflix has something to say: We're sorry. Reed Hastings, the CEO of the popular DVD-by-mail business, sent an email to customers offering an apology and an explanation for a recent rate hike and service transformation that had customers up in arms. "I messed up. I owe you an explanation," Hastings simply explained. "It is clear from the feedback over the past two months that many members felt we lacked respect and humility in the way we announced the separation of DVD and streaming and the price changes. That was certainly not our intent, and I offer my sincere apology. Let me explain what we are doing." At the same time that Hastings offered his mea culpa, he also announced further changes: Netflix plans to separate its DVD-by-mail service and streaming video businesses, and to change the name of the original service from Netflix to Qwikster.
I'm not going to say I'm officially the most powerful blogger on the planet, but I think its safe to say I'm in the top 3 or so. I mean, not even 3 whole days after I post my open letter breaking up with Netflix, do they come out with national, hearfelt, public apology. And this isn't coincidental people. Netflix could have came out with this apology back in July after they made their announcement and every unhappy customer was flocking to Twitter to publicly express their inner rage in less than 140 characters...No, they waited. They weren't going to respond to incessant whining and bitching, plus how much PR damage can you do in less than 140 characters? So they just took it all in...until Friday when the Alt-Tab weighed in on the matter. And when CW weighs in on something, you've got to respond, and you've got to respond fast...I mean literally fast, I have a short attention span and I'll be on to the next topic within days. And respond they did.
