You are implying that revenue Verizon gets from BlockBuster, for restricting users from uninstalling their App, is comparable to revenue gotten from advertising on TV or radio. Sounds like a fair point at first blush. True, don't return my TV, just because I'm forced to see or hear TV ads. That means the uninstallable BlockBuster icon is also serving as a permanent advertisement, and may even have resulted in the cost of the phone or service being slightly lower for customers.
As tempting as that argument sounds, it's not true. If it were true, then it would all be about the money, and in that case, Verizon would offer to let me uninstall it, for a modest $4.99 fee, which I might actually take them up on. No, it's not about the revenue, its about a company thinking they know what's best for the customer when they really don't. It's the jerks that made the decision to do this who are OCD, not me.
gary84 wrote:You are implying that revenue Verizon gets from BlockBuster, for restricting users from uninstalling their App, is comparable to revenue gotten from advertising on TV or radio. Sounds like a fair point at first blush. True, don't return my TV, just because I'm forced to see or hear TV ads. That means the uninstallable BlockBuster icon is also serving as a permanent advertisement, and may even have resulted in the cost of the phone or service being slightly lower for customers.
As tempting as that argument sounds, it's not true. If it were true, then it would all be about the money, and in that case, Verizon would offer to let me uninstall it, for a modest $4.99 fee, which I might actually take them up on. No, it's not about the revenue, its about a company thinking they know what's best for the customer when they really don't. It's the jerks that made the decision to do this who are OCD, not me.
Yes, it is about the money. Why do you think you can get a $500 cell phone for $200? Because all these uninstallable icons pay Verizon (and every other company) big buck to subsidize these phones. Also, Verizon is not the only cell phone provider who has uninstallable apps. Pick up a smartphone from any company, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and you will have the same thing. Sorry gary84, it is about the money.
mortb wrote:
gary84 wrote:You are implying that revenue Verizon gets from BlockBuster, for restricting users from uninstalling their App, is comparable to revenue gotten from advertising on TV or radio. Sounds like a fair point at first blush. True, don't return my TV, just because I'm forced to see or hear TV ads. That means the uninstallable BlockBuster icon is also serving as a permanent advertisement, and may even have resulted in the cost of the phone or service being slightly lower for customers.
As tempting as that argument sounds, it's not true. If it were true, then it would all be about the money, and in that case, Verizon would offer to let me uninstall it, for a modest $4.99 fee, which I might actually take them up on. No, it's not about the revenue, its about a company thinking they know what's best for the customer when they really don't. It's the jerks that made the decision to do this who are OCD, not me.
Yes, it is about the money. Why do you think you can get a $500 cell phone for $200? Because all these uninstallable icons pay Verizon (and every other company) big buck to subsidize these phones. Also, Verizon is not the only cell phone provider who has uninstallable apps. Pick up a smartphone from any company, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and you will have the same thing. Sorry gary84, it is about the money.
Yes, all about the money. I don't think Verizon even makes the pretense that these applications are essential for most users, they are just there and uninstallable. The only time I am aware of that VzW claimed to know what is best for the customers was the mandatory data plans for 3GMM phones ("to prevent large bills from data use"), and that was clearly all about the money as well!
That said, you do have a good idea for an additional revenue stream for them! But instead of a one-time charge, maybe they can offer "No Blockbuster" $4.99 per month, "No City ID" $4.99 per month etc....
I have no idea how much companies pay for bloatware but I can't imagine it accouting for a $300 discount from the "retail" price of the phone. I'd rather think that the two years of service (voice and data) are the reason for the discount. Amazon will (or have) sold the Droid for a penny so there's obviously enough profit built into the system for Amazon and Verizon to make a profit, even if the phone is given away. Or, in other words, if I walk into a VZW store I give them an extra $200 which probably offsets whatever they got from Blockbuster.
As for the original question, obviously both Verizon and Blockbuster came to an agreement as to the "longevity" of the app. I have to imagine that by making the app permanent it adds some value for Blockbuster. The user may not want to download a movie today or tomorrow but may 6 months from now he's stuck in an airport...
VZW obviously has considered the issue and decided that whatever revenue stream bloatware provides exceeds [the value] whatever percentage of their customers may be annoyed by it and whatever subset of those customers who choose to leave Verizon.
I can't help but think that it might be more effective to direct your comments to Blockbuster. A nicely but firmly worded letter that said as a result of their decision you will no longer use their services, including rentals at your local video store. Include your membership card with the letter.
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