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Hulu Introduces Ad-Free Subscription Plan for $12 a Month
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So now we have carrier's UNLIMITED DATA (with limits) and now AD-FREE HULU (with ads)? You can't make this stuff up. Talk about clinging to 20th century business models.
The exception for ads isn't a big deal. However, it seems really stupid. Are they really making that much money on a 30 second ad after an episode airs? or a 15 second ad before it? That it makes sense to retain an exception for 7 shows? I imagine they did their math but it seems silly on the surface. And not worth the bad rap they get for having a no-ads subscription that has ads. I guess i'll trust they did the math.
Meh, I actually prefer ads. When I watch shows on Netflix I'm always taken aback by the lack of an ad, followed up by a rehash of the scene I just saw because normally an ad would be there. It makes watching a show sort of like watching this sketch:
(Note this does not apply to shows that normally didn't have ads and now have ads stuck in random places in the show.)
(Note this does not apply to shows that normally didn't have ads and now have ads stuck in random places in the show.)
I meant the difference in price between the ad and ad free versions lol
I like being the customer rather than the product, so I'm probably going to sign up for this, but the "exception" shows, even if there's just a handful, are tremendously insulting. Are those seven shows so expensive, and their ads so lucrative, that you simply can't afford to show them for $12 a month without any ads? Then charge $12.50 or $13 or whatever it costs. Heck, you can even price it at a loss, since a lot of people who will pay probably only watch a few--if any--of them.
I'll probably still do it despite the insult since they're only bookend ads (and I only watch one of those shows anyway).
I'll probably still do it despite the insult since they're only bookend ads (and I only watch one of those shows anyway).
"getting the various rights owners for the Hulu catalog to agree to the ad-free option took months"
Tells me that this wasn't Hulu's choice, but a demand by the rights owners. If they want to carry the content, they have to do what they're required by the content owners. So I don't fault Hulu for this. Everyone needs to stop blaming Hulu, their hands are tied by the streaming contracts.
"but Netflix streaming is $8/month and I don't have to put up with ads. #Fail"
Let me know when Netflix starts streaming episodes of popular shows the day after they air and I will agree that it's a fail. Until then, I don't think it's fair to compare 2 services that are offering different products.
That said, i'll probably stick with the regular subscription, honestly the ads don't bother me that much. Gives me a minute to stretch out. (ie get a fresh beer)
Tells me that this wasn't Hulu's choice, but a demand by the rights owners. If they want to carry the content, they have to do what they're required by the content owners. So I don't fault Hulu for this. Everyone needs to stop blaming Hulu, their hands are tied by the streaming contracts.
"but Netflix streaming is $8/month and I don't have to put up with ads. #Fail"
Let me know when Netflix starts streaming episodes of popular shows the day after they air and I will agree that it's a fail. Until then, I don't think it's fair to compare 2 services that are offering different products.
That said, i'll probably stick with the regular subscription, honestly the ads don't bother me that much. Gives me a minute to stretch out. (ie get a fresh beer)
The original TV was to broadcast ads and feature shows were to help you watch more ads.
Anyway, no not interested in Hulu myself
Anyway, no not interested in Hulu myself
Apparently, they are just pre- and post-show ads. No intra-show ads. That's actually pretty equivalent to what you get on HBO and other "ad-free" services.
So, apparently, it won't enable my ads free viewing until my next billing cycle. lol. Seriously? No adjusted billing for a change mid-month?
So I hatched a plan to cancel my subscription and re-start it ad-free. But now I can't log into my account haha. nice.
So I hatched a plan to cancel my subscription and re-start it ad-free. But now I can't log into my account haha. nice.
It's UNBELIEVABLE that these greedy people are doing this to you!!! In exchange for your $12 per month INVESTMENT, you are absolutely entitled to WHATEVER you want. I mean, $12 may seem like sort of a lot; but when you look at it on a yearly basis, it's a STAGGERING $144-- and over 100 years, that's $14,400! INCONCEIVABLE!!! So for over $14K, they also are going to prop open your eyes and force you to watch a commercial, not once but TWICE, over six really really good shows. Almost wants to make you want to shut off the TV, crawl out of your Mom's basement, go outside and breath in some fresh air. Almost.
I concur greatly. To me it feels like a slap in the face to begin with. They didn't used to show as many ads as they do now, and you just know they will be adding more "exception shows" to that list upon release. Just how cable got its start (paid for ad free TV), Hulu is on a similar track.
The reason I signed up for Hulu Plus in the first place was because they were advertising access to this huge backlog of content. Now that backlog has disappeared and I can't even get into new shows after a few weeks because the episodes aren't available! Now they want me to pay more for no ads except for some ads on some shows that are more popular or newer, and might put some ads on future new shows? No thanks! The no-ad tier will eventually become the same as the ad-tier just like the Plus went back to just being Hulu except you pay. Hulu can go screw off. I'm to the point now where I just watch a year behind everyone else using Netflix and it doesn't bother me in the least aside from a few shows missing compared to Hulu.
There shouldn't be ads in the first place! You are paying monthly!!!