To round out the Netflix-related post trifecta, here are copies of the suggestions I just submitted to Netflix.

The first was about putting user and system ‘how this got into my queue’ information into my queue, and the second one is me complaining about the turnaround time and offering suggested solutions. (It’s significant - the true Netflix-killer Blockbuster is going to have (at least for me) is turning their existing stores into distribution centers, where shipping is fast, or I can drop it off.)

Netflix is two things for me: a queue management system that lets me track the movies I want to see, and a distribution method for that queue. These suggestions look to improve both sides of that operation.

There are many movies in my Queue that by the time I get to them, I’ve forgotten why I added them. Did a friend recommend it, and if so, who? When did I add it? The “My 2 cents” is nice to put a one liner for me to remember things AFTER I’ve seen it, but I’d like to be able to leave a note in the movie in my queue when I add it.

The system could store information such as when it was added to my queue (and where in the queue it was when it was added,) as well as how I got to where I added it (was it from a search, an actor page, a recommendation from another movie (and which movie,) or a list (top 100, awards, etc.) A small notes field would let me say something like “Nate recommended” or “Mom says must see”

This information would be viewable/editable in the Queue after the movie is added. It could even be incorporated into the email that gets sent when the movie is mailed, so I get a refresher on why I rented it before it gets to my house.

I hope this idea makes sense to you, and that it would be a valuable addition to Netflix. Thanks,

Dave

And the shipping issue:

I live mid-distance between the Chicago and St. Louis distribution centers, where most of my movies come from St. Louis. The shortest turn-around time I have had for a Netflix movie (from Netflix announcing it ships to Netflix recording it returned, as told by my account history,) is seven days - even if I watch it the night I get it, and put it in the mailbox immediately afterwards. I know the average turn around is much shorter than that (especially for people closer to distribution centers,) and I am disappointed they are getting better service than I am although we’re both paying the same amount.

I recognize most of that trip is USPS transit time (ignoring the 24 hours it’s at my house.) I know that people who live closer to distribution centers get faster service, meaning they can watch more movies, and get more value out of their membership.

I suggest you implement a ’ship me my next movie’ feature to the Queue, so that days when I put a movie in the mail to return, I can register that action online, and you can preemptively ship me the next movie while mine is being returned. This isn’t much different than marking a movie as lost in the mail - it’s just a way to acknowledge the previous movie is on it’s way back, and can you send me the next one a little early? (It would be great if the local post office could scan the red envelope and somehow tell Netflix the movie has been received … but I don’t know if that integration with the USPS system is possible.)

Another solution would be to offer more movies out at a time than my membership allows, so I can ‘buffer’ them and the transit time doesn’t so greatly effect my ability to watch movies.

Thanks for hearing my recommendation,
Dave

If you think these would be helpful, and you’re a Netflix subscriber, please let them know.