Media

 Wednesday, September 10, 2003

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch House

I was absentmindedly listening to DirecTV trying to sell the NFL season while I was reading my book, and thought I heard something interesting.

blah blah notify your computer when the pace of the game heats up blah blah blah automatically record highlights blah blah

Now that's cool, I thought. If I'm working on the weekend, they'll tell me something hot is happening, and TiVo'll record it for me so I don't have to rush home. Sweet.

Unfortunately, the fantasy is more attractive than the reality.

10:51:37 AM # Google It!
categories: Media

$20 - $19 != snacks

While I'm in the middle of a media rant, I should point out that popcorn sales have dropped as theater ticket prices have risen.

10:38:51 AM # Google It!
categories: Media

On Stupid Industry Tricks

Dear Mr. Eisner,

I hate to bring this up again, but the maintenance regime, or lack thereof, recommended by McKinsey, has resulted in death, as Disney's loyal castmembers told you it would. Stop being such a schmuck.

But for some reason, you insist on it. Take these disposable DVDs, for example. I am not willing to pay $7.00, plus tax, for something I have to toss in the trash in 48 hours. I'd rather pay $4.50 and accept the risk that I might have to pay another fee if I do not return the disc within the time allotted. I accept the fact that I may be an abnormal customer, not your target "lapsed renter," but when I don't want to risk late fees, I buy and record a film on my DirecTiVo — for $4.00.

Simply put, the pricing is all wrong. But it's not so difficult to fix. It must be the same price as the initial rental — not the rental plus the late fee.

The Variety article notes that rental sales have been flat.

Even if rental revenue stays on pace this year at about 6%, it's not enough when revenue from the sales side of the business was up 22% last year. "We shouldn't be satisfied with minor percentage growth (in rental)," he said.

That's rather easily explained, don't you think? The movies suck. And for those that don't, why not pay $15 and buy a copy?

Now, about those environmental issues ....

10:34:17 AM # Google It!
categories: Media

Reputation

Rick Klau, on a whirlwind press tour of the East Coast, has some advice for record spinners:

PR is so much easier when you’re not lying.

9:45:12 AM # Google It!
categories: Media