One thing I’ll say briefly is that my main point about being able to pay for a download is that consumers should have the option to choose. For my life, I am on the go a lot. I don’t have a solid internet connection for my laptop all the time. Some of the networks I’m on wouldn’t allow me to go to a site such as Hulu. Why not give me the option of getting this content delivered? Any digital delivery method that doesn’t allow me access to the content on a plain or without an internet connection just seems shortsighted to me. I’d rather purchase it.

I don’t have time to post a more decent response today, but I just wanted to say that I am enjoying the dialogue. :-)

Mainly, I connect to the internet via my computer. Which is what i use to watch tv. I don’t need to buy episodes of tv shows to watch them on my computer (nor do you, nor anybody with a steady connection).

However, I agree that this can often be impractical for those outside the bounds of hi-speed internet access. But these bounds are changing. Wireless internet is becoming more and more widespread. Whole cities are being blanketed (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec06/wifi_8-14.html). Airlines are starting to realize the needs of the consumer and offer wireless internet aboard flights. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6717750/).

It is ridiculous that Hulu is not being offered outside of the United States. I have no defense for this, and sincerely hope the involved corporations will remedy this to the benefit of the global consumer. Perhaps as the website moves from beta form (it has been publicly tested for a little over three weeks now) to widespread release it will progress, as with the evolution of the television we all love.

Mainly, I connect to the internet via my computer. Which is what i use to watch tv. I don’t need to buy episodes of tv shows to watch them on my computer (nor do you, nor anybody with a steady connection).
I agree that this can often be impractical for those outside the bounds of internet access. But these bounds are changing.

Wireless internet is becoming more and more widespread. Whole cities are being blanketed (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec06/wifi_8-14.html). Airlines are starting to realize the needs of the consumer and offer wireless internet aboard flights. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6717750/)

Broadcast is dying- look at the statistics. Viewership is down across all networks and shows that are “hits” are penetrating the market less and less (read The Long Tail for those numbers.

“–So much worse than a smudgy iPod screen I can watch under a magnifying lens.–”

The iPod isn’t the only device. Mainly, I want to watch the episodes on my computer- the center of my entertainment and digital world. I don’t think that’s weird.

The last thing I’ll mention is regarding Hulu- Indeed they do not show commercials. I was thinking about The Office webisodes and other promotions. The comment about Hulu being available only to US consumers still stands. This is shortsighted in my own unprofessional view.

“–Why would i want to pay to watch TV when i can watch it without waving a credit card around?–”

So you can download it at high quality, not have to watch it on a fast internet connection, put it on your mobile device, take it on a plane, not have to wait for a DVD release, etc. Note that I’m not saying that this should be the ONLY distribution method. Not everyone wants to pay for high quality, immediately available downloads…. I would. And I think I’m not alone in that. Why not give us a choice? Heck- it doesn’t even have to come through iTunes.

Ok… so if they offer them for free with no ads, and they make no revenue… what’s the problem with giving the writers a percentage of that $0? Why are the networks fighting so hard to not pay a percentage if they are truly making nothing from the streaming videos online?

And if you use hulu.com to watch your tv instead of iTunes or actual TV, then you’re admitting that online video is not for “promotional use” but for primary viewing, which further reinforces the writers’ points.

I liked the point about the 48% unemployment & finding another job. I agree 100%.

Why is it so greedy for a network to post video free online? NBC.com does not run ads in its episodes (get your facts right) and the flexibility of the internet serves the beck and whim of the consumer. Why would i want to pay to watch TV when i can watch it without waving a credit card around?

I enjoy TV, but do not want to be constricted by the demands of network scheduling. The advent of internet programing has removed this obstacle to the much welcomed benefit and appreciation of this consumer. How is being able to watch an episode whenever one wants not fulfilling your requirement of “convenient programming.” I suppose the methods of “consumption” are sparse, unless you consider broadcast, web programming, and DVD release.

I can’t wait for my Hulu invite. From the site: “You can customize the experience to fit your viewing preferences – watch videos in full screen, or pop out the video player and place it anywhere on your computer screen and re-size it if you’re multi-tasking. You can even dim the lights and mute the rest of the browser window so nothing distracts you from the video you’re watching.” So much worse than a smudgy iPod screen I can watch under a magnifying lens.

Offering dozens of shows for free. Oh my God, those greedy sumbitches, won’t they stop at anything for a buck?

Dear NBC… get… a… clue. I, like many others, discovered the show “The Office” on iTunes. I was all set to buy a season pass for The Office this season and then what happened? You got super greedy. You want me to go to your crappy website and watch low resolution, commercial filled versions because you’re betting that ad revenue is greater than iTunes revenue. Why not give me, the consumer, the option? I won’t go to your crappy, US-only Hulu website. I want to download it in good quality and play it even though I have a slow internet connection. I want to play it on the different media devices I own (my iPod… my computer).

And here I am… with credit card in hand, shouting “I value your content!!! I want to BUY it!!” I thought you were less clueless than your record industry constituents.

I guess I was wrong. You’ll adapt some day, I guess, after you finally understand that convenient delivery and giving your patrons choice over their methods of consumption should be top priority. Until then, other people will do this for you and you’ll loose a lot of rightfully earned money in the process.

Oh no, wait- maybe you can make all that revenue back by suing us one by one.