sl62

Blockbuster Still Lacks a Digital Media Strategy, Ten Years Later

mr rayburn...

Again, nothing against you but I am unsure of your agenda. I have to wonder what makes someone write so many words on the perceived lack of development by this company in the digital media delivery space. Something irks you that much, yet you say you are neutral the company in every way? I'm perplexed by your empassioned motivation. Maybe you can enlighten me. And again, your company comparisons between BBI, iTunes (AAPL), Netflix, et al, also make me wonder. You never addressed my issue that BBI is postioned very differently than any of those other companies. Why? Because BBI is the one coming off and evolving from being completely dominant in the B&M video rental space as it once existed.

>>with more than 7,400 company-owned or franchised stores in more than 20 countries (about 60% are in the US). The chain rents more than 1 billion videos, DVDs, and video games at its Blockbuster Video outlets each year.<<

Why can't you just admit that their evolution into the digital media arena is much much much different than anyone else. Instead you vilify them for it. Did Netflix corner the VHS/then DVD video store rental market since 1985? Have they ammassed 7400 stores in more than 20 countries? iTunes? No they haven't. Netflix came along in 1999 with a new spin on the DVD delivery market (for lazy American consumers I might add) and it took hold. Good for them and I applaud their success. With no B&M from go, you're surprised they so easily transitioned into digital delivery and are successful at it? It's really a no-brainer. But again, apples and oranges to the BBI model that will take much longer for that same saturated transition (because of from where it is they are coming and who their comsumer base is). Knowing these issues of disparity that exist between the different companies in the space I am at least willing to let BBI continue to show me some new moves as they continue working into digital. Yes, they have work to do, but I just told you why my posts. Will they ever become the new leader in the new space..I doubt it. But because of their advantage when it comes to access to actuakl content, I won't say never. But they've been leading their space as it existed for MANY years. They're like a lot of companies coming from all B&M roots. They are reinventing themselves over time. Not in the snap of your fingers as you would like. I asked you in my last post. What would you do with all the stores? Close them all down at the same time and just proclaim we are now only about digital?? c'mon man...

Again, I'm not sure from where your uber passion eminates that BBI is not the current leader in digital delivery. But whatever. You say you don't own the stock. Are you a bondholder? For a guy with seemingly no connection to the company, your article wreaks of bitterness, and a sense of urgency for changes to be made. What gives?

Lastly with 2008 sales @ $5.3B, I think this company has more than just a chance at successfully completing their evolution into the brave new all-digital world.