Interesting Shiznit

So Netflix is totally suing the pants off of Blockbuster. It will be interesting to see if they actually win this IP case. It will be interesting to see what happens. I would personally not like to see that an infringment was found. Mainly because what they have tried to patent is a system for delivery -- not the actual product. While this is very similar -- and the software used to determine what movies go out when -- it's probalby not the exact same -- though it's similar. And it's not like Netflix was a revolutionary product -- just a different way to rent movie -- via mail instead of a store. I don't think that business should be able to hold a patent on a type of business. While McDonalds could patent their french fry maker -- Buger King can use a similar device to produce the exact same fries. I can't imagine that they way that Blockbuster picks movies from a customer's list is the EXACT same as Netflix -- similar and on similar basis. But those basis are all based on common sense. I think Netflix is just pissed b/c Blockbuster copied off of their idea and is encroching in on their business. Sucks -- but that's the real world. Instead of bitching about it and coming up with a patent lawsuit why don't you think of another new product that is actually revolutionary -- somethign that no one else is capable of offering -- then you will attract more customers. I can't imagine Netflix is the first to think of renting movies via post.

I imagine that the inital plan of Netflix was to get bought out by a huge national video rental chain like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video or something -- but that plan was clearly foiled when Blockbuster introduced their own Net/Mail rental program. And where Netflix just rents online -- you can actually get free rentals in Blockbusters stores every month -- Netflix doesn't have that option and they charge the same price. Looks to me like Blockbuster is trying to run Netflix out of business.

What would be a great business for Netflix is to not only rent movies via mail -- but also allow online rentals via the internet which woudl allow you to view the movie at home without having to go to the store. I know the RIAA is actually allowing some purchases and rentals online now -- but they're mad expensive. If Netflix included this in their rental package they might actually get an edge on Blockbuster. But they have to keep inventing new product -- be like Apple -- keep up innovation. If you don't keep finding new products and new markets to get into you're going to go out of business because someone else will find better products to offer and will sell them.