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Hulu is competing against torrents and DVRs. Their entire value add is convenience. That makes me doubt the viability of a subscription model. Other ways hulu
by cheriot 17y ago
Hulu is competing against torrents and DVRs. Their entire value add is convenience. That makes me doubt the viability of a subscription model.
Other ways hulu could make money:
- allow viewers to purchase music played in the show (or even just related music)
- link to the products that have been not so subtly placed in the show. In all likelihood, seeing James Bond use an awesome new gadget will prompt a few people to click a link to see more of it.
- per show fees for things like HBO and showtime shows that cost extra already.
- sell dvds of the TV shows. If I can watch 4 episodes of Sons of Anarchy and am brain dead enough to like it, I might buy the first season on DVD.
Hell, I'd actually consider some of these "content" more than "advertisements".
- mrkurt 17y agoDon't underestimate how much convenience is worth to people. Netflix's value add over Blockbuster was convenience, Amazon's entire business model is "convenience". I can get people to come to my house, take all my laundry, and return it after it's been cleaned. People value convenience in different ways, for sure, but I suspect there are a ton of people who would value the sort of convenience that Hulu can technically offer. I'm one of them, but I'm not entirely optimistic about how good their execution will be.
- adamc 17y agoWell, actually, that isn't true. Streaming content makes Netflix much cheaper than renting movies (if the content serves your entertainment needs, anyhow). I agree that convenience is worth something, but so is stable technology that already works. If Hulu was anywhere near the cost of cable, I think most people will stick with cable. They already own the DVRs and they already know how to use it. If Hulu is much cheaper, it has a chance.