Streaming Sucks

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Streaming sucks. 

And I think though this has been the case since the beginning, it's only been more apparent in the recent years. From increasing prices to cancelling promising shows to not paying actors and writers and staff (the recent SAG-AFTRA strike being a clear example), it's clear that whatever good that the online streaming platforms ever brought, public opinion is dwindling. 

It's strange that that's what brought me to the obvious conclusion that I'm sure most people are already aware of: streaming has become the new cable. And if it hasn't, then it's pretty close to becoming it. 

This makes (in my opinion), all the outrage about the big three (Netflix, Amazon and Hulu) and it's strange policies and prices hikes all the more funny because that's exactly what people complained about during the era of cable TV. Now that we've turned to online sites, these same complaints have just been re-packaged and presented to the general public. 

'They have too many ads'. 'They don't have much good content'. 'The price is hiked up every year'. 'Blah, blah, blah'.

Of course the reason that streaming has similar complaints from customers is because even though they started out as the better way to watch and be entertained, they want money. These are still corporation we're talking about. 

It's not new information that cable is just an expensive assortment of media that once was enough to entertain generations. It's not anymore. So with streaming following in the doomed footsteps of television, does that mean we're slowing just waiting until the next thing to swoop in and be affordable and new? 

Not to mention that with most of the media they store, once it leaves their files or personal data library there is a huge chance that it disappears as there are no physical copies made. Meaning that in most cases, once it's gone, it's lost forever (unless the piracy sites got to it first). The idea that this can be easily done is terrifying and why physical media (CD's, DVD's, books, etc) is so important. 

This isn't supposed to be an educated or well-researched post by any means but rather a series o thoughts that I've shared along with many others on the interweb.

With basic necessities being sparse and the cost of living increasing day by day, is streaming really the greater good it claims to still be? No more password sharing, showing ads, higher fees, extending it's worst shows but cancelling the good ones, workplace mistreatment, having to 'buy'/'rent' movies, and overall a not so impressive catalogue, it feels like every year these entities show why piracy is the way to go. 

At least it's free and helps prevent the erasure of non-physical media. There's a reason kids like pirates growing up. They might be thieves but are the people they're stealing from any better? 

I do hope that continued form of this discussion helps in raising awareness in physical spaces like libraries and theatres because they help store and create art that is free to access. It provides people with the option to choose whether to pay or enjoy for free. And it supports artists and public institutions. These are spaces that for the general public that we are currently undervaluing and in some regions losing due to neglect or current technology. You don't want these companies to become monopolies and swindle you out of your money? Support local businesses and public organizations. It's a small step that helps keep art safe, cherished and most importantly free for all.

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