SprogBlog

My Problem with Netflix

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Gilbert) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:23:00 +0000

I have been using Netflix for a while now. I enjoy watching the content on my TV using Apple TV. I have enjoyed Netflix so much that for the past few months I haven't turned on my cable box.

My biggest problem with Netflix is the content. And no, I'm not talking about the lack of content or the quality of content. The selection was limited at first and you won't find many new releases going straight to Netflix, but that's not my problem. The quality is as good or better than I would get on cable, so no complaints in that department. The content problem I'm talking about are the great shows that have been cancelled. I have enjoyed a few TV series and become hooked or addicted to the show only to find out that the show was cancelled after season one or two.

This problem isn't new. I remember watching Dark Angel about ten years ago when it didn't make it past season two and there are many other shows with the same story. The problem on Netflix is that I watch the shows without commercial interruption and in a very short period. I can watch a full season in less than a week. This creates a very good experience and gives me a connection to the show and the characters of the show. Too many times I've found myself falling for the characters of a show only to be hit with the disappointment of the show coming to an end.

I know that it has to be this way. I know it's not Netflix's fault. But, without the Netflix experience I don't think I would be as disappointed at the end of a series.

So, Thank you Netflix! Keep up the great work.

ACTA is our SOPA

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Gilbert) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:39:00 +0000

Last week everyone heard of the noise surrounding SOPA and PIPA in the US. The main idea behind the bills is to help fight online piracy and theft. The problem is, these bills or Acts amount to censorship by Governments and big business with no thought for the individual user or customer. This is much more to this topic than that so I suggest you read more these proposed US bills on Wikipedia if you are interested.

While the US has had to deal with SOPA and PIPA, everyone else should be worried about ACTA. Canada, the European Union and Switzerland started the discussion in 2006. Now there are many Countries joining the negotiations including the US and Australia. Much more information is available on Wikipedia and I'll try and update this blog with more information and links.

The main reason this worries me is because the results will be similar to DRM on music and movies. This will only hurt or hinder the honest paying customer and will not be effective in stopping piracy.

Censorship is not the solution. Do we want the government telling us what we can and cannot view online? Do we want big business telling us what services we can use?

Update:

From what I can understand, ACTA is an international agreement to create laws in each country. ACTA itself is not law. We must ensure that laws are not passed in support of ACTA in our country.

Here is some additional information.

Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (PDF)

Video about ACTA a quick look at what is ACTA and the problems with the Act.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Gilbert) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Welcome to my new blog. I have a few sites that I use for sharing information and news that I find interesting. This blog, SprogBlog, will be used for more story based information than the content shared on my tumblr blog.

The content will change as time goes on, but there should always be something interesting to read. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.