Breaking Up with Netflix: It’s Not You, It’s the Economy

By: Wesabe (View Profile)

Dear Netflix,

We’ve shared a lot of laughs and even some tears. You’ve always been there for me, which makes breaking up even harder to do. I remember when we first met five years ago—I was pregnant with twins and confined to bed rest. I relied on your daily red envelope even more than I did my Ben & Jerry’s.

But Netflix, things have changed. With the foundering economy, it just doesn’t feel like the right time to be in this kind of a committed relationship. We’ve been drifting apart for a while, and yet there you are every month, taking a bite out of my checking account. Before you even ask, this has absolutely nothing to do with Blockbuster Online. I admit, I have checked out Hulu.com a couple times, but that’s not why I’m ending things with you.

It’s a crappy time to be a discretionary expense and I don’t mean to kick you while you’re down, but I need to start looking out for myself. And so 163 rentals and nearly a thousand dollars later, I’m calling it quits. This really is good-bye, so I hope you don’t cheapen what we had by sending me perky “one month free” emails or flyers.

Good luck, Netflix—I honestly do wish you the best.

Your friend,
Debbie

Photo courtesy of Wesabe

14 readers liked this story.
bookmarks
Comments
posted: 12.10.2008
Cricket
Frugal or not, I'm keeping my Netflix until the very last item in my home is sold to keep me afloat....if need be! Netflix is a joy, a retreat, a sweet ending to a very hard and long work week. I deserve it and further more, I love those little red envelopes! At $18.14 a month including taxes, it's a bargain in my house! So hello Netflix....keep them coming!!!
posted: 12.10.2008
anathema
i don't know wesabe, i think you've made a mistake. now that netflix has live streaming to the 360 (assuming you have an xbox... if you don't, you might be right), it's like cable and hulu and blockbuster all rolled into one. plus, they have tv shows, which are so much easier to burn through fast enough to get your money's worth than movies.
posted: 12.10.2008
Leigh Ann Hubbard
Oh my gosh! Just yesterday, I was thinking I should cancel my Netflix subscription. I thought, what if they ask why? I can't say anything bad. I didn't want them to think I didn't like their service; I just want to be more frugal. Funny. Thanks for the witty, timely blog. Leigh Ann Hubbard Managing Editor James Hubbard's My Family Doctor
posted: 12.10.2008
Rebecca Brown
I've had my Netflix movies since May of 2007 and this just reminded me that it's time to end things for me, too! Sure, it's only $20 a month, but it does add up. So long, old friend. (And thanks, Debbie for the funny reminder!)
posted: 12.10.2008
jfp3
I agree with Kim...if you are worried about $20 a month or so, yet finding the time to write this slop, you need other things to worry about. I'm fairly certain you have other daily/weekly vices that add up to a lot more, and don't give a tenth of the enjoyment. Like Ben & Jerrys.
It feels good to write.

Your stories, musings, and advice are welcome here. We know you've got something to share, so jump in—maybe get a little famous. And don't worry—you can save a draft!

most liked
Loader_buff
Other topics you might appreciate
Travel Style Neighborhood & World Parenting