NetFlix

NetFlix

Short Time No See Too

“ Cuzzin Ricky sold me on NetFlix yesterday.  No, not for the movies, although what the hell, we'll take our allocation.  No, I signed up for the instant view of old movies, television shows, etc.  First thing I did after signing up for a two-week free trial was order-up  a home view of television's  "The Office." That led to a screen instructing  me to download the NetFlix media player.  Okay.  But wait. Whoops.  I need  Media Player 11.  Okay, update me.  But wait. I can't use Media Player 11 because I don't have the Microsoft's Media Center Edition 2005 version of Windows.  I have the 2002  Media Player Edition, which is not upgradeable. Right here MoSup calls and asks me to order Chinese, which she'll pick up.  I can't find the freaking menu, and the place is unlisted (I'm not kidding). MFCS!  I call Mo Sup.  No answer, which means she's deep in the bowel's of some mall. Screw it. I called NetFlix tech support, and got verification that,  yes, I need Media Player 11. Tech guy  James  said it was Microsoft's fault.  I said, what the hell are you talking about, you designed the software?  No, NetFlix has to comply with Microsoft's media security dictates - the result of letting Hollywood control their software.  And don't give me any "buy a Mac" crap.  Steve Jobs is  a bigger whore to Big Media than Bill Gates is.  MFCS. I'm wondering what percentage of NetFlix customers meet that standard, of owning the Media Center 2005 edition of XP?  When I looked, you had to pay a hefty premium to get it in Vista.   Damned few, I'll warrant.  Anyway, we have the free two week trial - I ordered a couple of chick-flicks for Mo Sup - so two weeks is exactly how long my NetFlix account has to live.  And guess what?  With each passing day, I miss seeing Hollywood crap less and less. Grrr. ”