In case you forgot tomorrow is the last day to cancel or change your rate plan on Netflix. Starting September 1st Netflix will introduce a new plan that is 60% higher than the current DVD/Streaming option today. Not only are they raising the prices without any help from you (read: they will raise the rate automatically) the execs at Netflix actually had the nerve to mask this change as a good thing for users. Sure, raising rates is always best for the user.

Okay, here goes:

Dear Reed Hastings (Netflix CEO),

I have been a Netflix customer for quite some time, you know, when all popup ads were from Netflix and every 3rd spam email was your friend asking to join because it was the hottest thing since Pets.com. Well fast forward a few years and you guys have forced me to cancel a service I once loved. You have decided instead of building a better product to screw everyone that helped your company get to where it is today. Rather than realize not everyone* has the ability to pay more for less you decided to make the product basically worthless. With so many better options, Redbox for DVD/Blu-Ray rentals and Hulu Plus, torrents and so many other sources for online content, Netflix doesn’t serve a purpose.

You could have grown the company while working with more providers to beef up the streaming service, remove stupid expiration policies on streaming content and then (after you built up streaming) split the two options. However as it stands right now with device restrictions and limited library I wouldn’t be surprised if your companies marketshare started to slip.

Lastly, as a developer, i’ve loved working with the Netflix API in the past but you even started to make that suck.

Its time to close our accounts, just like we did those annoying popup ads back in the early days of the web.

Sincerely,
M. Keefe
Ex Netflix Customer

* One note, i’m not saying I can’t pay 60% more, I just don’t think anyone should have to.

I’ve been noticing a disturbing trend in the development and design industry. No not “potential facebook-killers” though that is annoying as well. For right now I am talking about Partial Ownership and Profit Sharing opportunities.

Be a Part of the “Next Big Thing”
Now don’t get me wrong, if you get an opportunity to be part of the next big thing or to even create that thing then awesome. However, using it as a way to get free work is downright evil. I have been contacted by potential clients with a great project and of course I follow up with a timeline, quote and proposal just like you always should. Though lately those potential clients like to slip in the business proposal on the third or fourth inquiry. Its like they are feeling you out and trying to hook you on the project.

I have even seen a few instances when the potential client will try to belittle your work and talent if you don’t decide to hop on their “Million Dollar idea” as if you offended them, when in reality they are wrong. Its similar to “Bait n Switch” in a store.

As a freelancer, developer, agency or all around technology professional have you experienced this growing trend or am I simply the lucky one? Weigh in via the comments below, I am eager to hear others opinions on this topic.

Update: Before its misconstrued in the above post, I am open for new opportunities, just don’t hide the “business opportunity” portion while claiming to have a standard freelance gig. Most of all, don’t waste others time.. its not good business.

I have yet to hear back from the guys at Spoono Host (spoonohost.com) or Spoono (spoono.com) in general, but now I am calling on the community to shed some light on potential legal action!

Another friend of mine, Ryan, just told me his sites domain has expired and he is in the process of a marketing campaign. This isn’t script kiddies here, this is hurting people that are fathers and adults and most importantly, business people.

I may sound a bit agitated, well thats good because I really am.. this is complete and utter bullshit in the highest form. I really hope the hosting company smartens up because this is just wrong.

Note: Hosting and company URLs intentionally unlinked

Update: I recommend MediaTemple or RackSpace as a great alternative.