Netflix Was Supposed to Beat Cable, Not Join It

Netflix's rumored attempt to bring its content to cable on-demand boxes isn't sitting well with Rebecca Greenfield of the Atlantic, who reads the report thusly: "The streaming service 'of the future' would join forces with the established companies we'd hoped it would help us get away from." Part of the beauty of Netflix was that it provided a passable alternative to cable TV for $7.99 a month—compared to, say, $79.99 for Comcast's Internet-Cable package.

"We accept Netflix's somewhat shoddy library because not having to pay for cable makes up for it," she explains. A whole generation of young people are getting used to the idea of just never buying cable. Sadly, the move makes sense for Netflix, which is facing increasing competition for the streaming space, and sees itself as a potential competitor for HBO. Her only hope? "Perhaps Netflix would continue offering a watered down version of its service for those looking to finally cut the cord." (More Netflix stories.)