Dvd's are still free at the library if you don't want to pirate.
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And just like the good ol days, pirating is back in fashion.
I’ve just gone back to pirating and buying DVDs. I don’t watch much of anything anymore.
same, i also abuse free trials pretty hard.
(virtual credit cards and visa gift cards with little to no money on them work great)
Lessons from movies that streaming services didn't learn:
"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
Three things:
- Governments need to regulate exclusive third party content so that the platforms compete on quality instead of just amount of content.
- Companies should go back to pay as you use. I hate subscribing to things.
- Users should push back hard on new bad things that the corporations do.
On the up-side, I can cancel subscriptions whenever I want and only subscribe to one or two at a time when they have something I want to watch. I could never do that with cable.
That said, pricing is getting way out of control. I will not tolerate ads and we're getting to the point where purchasing content makes more financial sense than subscribing to things that load you up with caveats unless you pay premiums.
I fear the change from monthly to annual only subscriptions is on the horizon
I hear you're tired of monthly payments. How about....
They're going to complicate unsubscribing next.
Amazon is way ahead of the curve
It takes like 3 steps to cancel an audible account on Amazon.
Is that more or less than it takes to sign up?
I think that's illegal in some places, like California and the EU.
The "best" part you forgot , buying probably won't be possible or available
Unfortunately, you are absolutely right. 😞
And also, even when it is... it's "buying" (with quotes), because in this brave new digital world... you don't actually own anything you "buy".
With the current state of streaming services mess, I think I would have signed up for disc rental by mail. Access to nearly 100% of media at highest quality for around 10 to 15 bucks a month seems like pretty good deal right about now. Sadly Netflix killed that part of their business so I can't even go back to that.
It's not like netflix is the only one that can offer that kind of service. You've still got gamefly, 3D Bluray Rental, cafedvd, redbox (if you're fine with going to a kiosk), your public library, and probably others if you care to search for them.
Meanwhile pirating content and streaming it has never been easier. Jellyfin and private trackers ftw
Don't forget about newsgroups (⌐■_■)
Idk what newsgroups are
We know, Verge.
Now go build an PC...wait nevermind.
nah, just get a thinkpad
Look up "Verge PC build" on Youtube to get it.
What we wanted: a-la-carte channels.
What we got: seven expensive streaming services and they all still somehow have ESPN bullshit.
I stopped using Hulu when it introduced ads over a decade ago and never looked back. The stock of that company did really well despite the cable-like inconveniences.