The Joy Of Streaming Services
Netflix, Hulu, and all the other streaming services are perhaps one of the greatest things for Nerd/Geek/Fan/Otaku culture since they heyday of the mag and comic scenes many decades ago.
Oh sure we can complain about prices, and limits, and a lot. Trust me, I’ve got concerns, and part of me worries that the people behind these services will find ways to screw them up. But even with needed evolution and an unsure future, just think about what it means . . .
First of all, we’ve got access to all sorts of historical examples of geekery – old films, classics, long-gone television shows. I can fire up Netflix and get old Godzilla movies, or find all the seasons of a long-cancelled TV show like Farscape. You could go for years just watching the backlogs of pure nerdity out there.
All those must-see films and shows? They’re at your fingertips for a few bucks a month, and even closer if you’re using an XBox, computer, or other device. Your history is right there to watch (and to show to others).
Secondly, we’ve got access to things that we normally wouldn’t see; the strange, the unremarkable, the obscure, the artsty, the failed, and the just not good enough. I can dig up any amount of shows and movies that “didn’t make it big” that are worth time and attention thanks to these services.
Think about what it means to truly experience the breadth and depth of nerd culture. Hunting up old DVD’s or hoping something shows up on late night or on cable is reduced or eliminated. We can experience more – and experience it more broadly.
Finally, it’s easier to share it. Toss up something on the computer or the XBox or whatever. Pass someone a link to that show or movie you want to share. Look at the online ratings to convince them. The convenience of getting is also the convenience of sharing.
Streaming is one of the best things otaku, nerds, geeks, and fans have experienced in awhile.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to be exploring a wide range of Asian supernatural action films . . .
Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach for professional and potentially professional geeks, fans, and otaku. He can be reached at http://www.stevensavage.com/
What’s great is how I’m able to watch movies I’ve never heard of before. Movies and TV from long ago or far away it’s all amazing. My personal preference I’ve realized is how I love British TV and hate American TV, but I like movies from all over the globe.
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