Cross Face Chicken Wing Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 FWIW, I won't be re-subscribing. The current product was good around Wrestlemania so I subscribed to watch the PPVs. Now it's gone to shit and you couldn't pay me $10 to watch the PPVs so I'm out. I imagine there are a lot of people like me, old fans who every now and then get sucked back into the modern product only to be let down, who will not renew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eduardo Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Yeah, I missed the last PPV due to some internet issues, and when I finally saw it the next day, it was pretty bad. I mainly got the network for the live streaming PPV's, and I've been pretty disappointed lately. I am looking forward to Cena-Lesnar though. American football season is starting soon and I might get NFL Sunday Ticket. I'm a much bigger wrestling fan than a football fan, but if the PPV product doesn't improve later this year, I'm just not going subscribe again until WrestleMania 31. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fakeplastictrees Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Its about that time to renew and in all honesty- I am most likely going to renew. Wrestling has always been apart of my life and I am the type of guy (as in my brother and best friend when they are around) who likes to randomly pop in a show, get a big ass sandwich, and just sit and watch. I doubt WWE is going to get a million more people like me, but godspeed. WWE prides themselves on being ENTERTAINMENT and more than pro wrestling, but The Network doesn't reflect that. I am surprised that the WWE hasn't been purchasing cancelled TV shows for the last couple of years. I'm not saying WWE needs to go entirely left field and purchase the rights to The Golden Palace, but shit. At least TRY to acquire something like Running Wilde, Zach Stone Is Going to be Famous, Party Down, Awake, Space, and maybe throw in two cartoons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Sorrow Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Of course I'm gonna renew. It's ten bucks a month! I spend nearly that much on lunch on a daily basis. And I haven't even scratched the surface of the content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sek69 Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 How was CoD better about constant updates? For the stuff they showed, they would generally upload a new episode of ECW, Raw or Nitro every other week. Sure, each week there was new content, but most of it was stuff that's already on The Network. They would add episodes of Saturday Night and were starting Worldwide and I think Mania (one of the WWF 90s B-shows) a few months before the service was shut down. They would also be doing themes every month and once in a while there'd be never before seen matches in those too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khawk20 Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Plus they added old Stampede 1979 TV, AWA TV from 1981, and WCCW TV right through April of 1984 on a rotating basis. There seemed to be a new AWA TV show every second month, for example, and something else in the other month. You would get some "unseen" matches in the HOF segments, which they rotated every month, and when it was a repeat of someone they did previously they would add different matches. Plus the Shorties often had "new" matches on it depending on the theme. Never mind there was usually a different MSG, Philly or Boston show each month. The lack of even the most minimal of old school uploads given the content they have in the bank from CoD alone is baffling to me. An update schedule even monthly like they did with CoD would solve most of the complaints listed in this thread. Ten bucks for ten hours of new material every month? Everyone's happy. I haven't even got this yet being in Canada. Hopefully by the time it gets here they will start uploading some stuff that will make getting a sub a no-brainer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigelow34 Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Of course I'm gonna renew. It's ten bucks a month! I spend nearly that much on lunch on a daily basis. And I haven't even scratched the surface of the content. Yeah this. I think of all the crap I spend $10/month on and this is a layup decision for me. I do agree that CoD was awesome... too bad those subscription numbers sucked... Those HOF shows were great and I loved the format, very similar to those old NBA HOF/Greatest Games shows, I am surprised they don't air those at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loss Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 I'm definitely renewing. Short-term, I think they're really going to struggle, but long-term, I think they'll get their stuff together, if only because they have to get their stuff together since their entire future depends on it. To me, subscribing to the Network was always more about being part of something that I think is going to be a game changer (for the better eventually) and has tons of potential to be really cool than it ever was that I wanted to see them put up specific libraries. They are just going through growing pains right now, but I don't think the future of the Network is dire by any means. My concern is that if too many people start bowing out, WWE will take the wrong message from that. The Network *is* the way to go in the future and I hope they never backtrack on it. The problem is the way they're doing it, not that they're doing it at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WingedEagle Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 For $10 and up until probably $15 a month, the network is a no brainer for me. I'll usually get mania and sometimes one other PPV during the year. Throw in every single other PPV which I've had a blast going through and apparently a lot of other things that I haven't touched yet and there's no way I'm not getting value out of this. They could pause adding anything from the library for a few years and it probably wouldn't change a thing for me. Now I'm posting this here, I read the Observer and spend an inordinate amount of time watching and reading about wrestling compared to the average fan. They've got my money. But I'm not sure how they hook in more casual fans. Mania season should bring another bump of some sort. A uniquely compelling PPV main event may do some business. There's probably still a very real technical hurdle for many fans -- if I couldn't access the Network via PS3 and didn't another console, I wouldn't subscribe. I'm not willing to deal with hooking up my computer to the TV every time I want to watch something there and don't enjoy watching video on the pc or tablet for very long, so perhaps adoption may pick up in the months and years ahead as its more accessible to more of the fan base. While I don't expect it to move numbers simply by being pushed on a random Monday night, I actually thought a hard sell of Summerslam '98 this week was effective in that it promoted something specific that people may want to access. The PPV library and other content is great, but its so vast and abstract that outside of us diehards who know what's there and can already envision how much fun it is, more casual fans might find it overwhelming at best or simply another version of the 1000 channels they already have on cable and don't have the time to sort through to ID content they're not already familiar with. Not sure how much unique and original content they can/should produce to encourage new subs, but I think focusing on specific programming rather than the sheer quantity of content may prove more effective. Just my two cents anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loss Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 What I didn't understand about Summerslam '98 being hyped so much is that anyone who subscribes can watch that show anytime. I think it would have been cooler for them to do an extended video package highlighting all Summerslams with some tagline at the end that you can watch them all whenever you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petey Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 They always do those "SummerSlam Moments" or whatever showing match highlights or a big angle from a past SummerSlam. They could keep doing that and just add a tagline with, "and now relive it all any time you want with WWE Network." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cox Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 What I didn't understand about Summerslam '98 being hyped so much is that anyone who subscribes can watch that show anytime. I think it would have been cooler for them to do an extended video package highlighting all Summerslams with some tagline at the end that you can watch them all whenever you want. Maybe they think that people are only watching the live stream and are trying to draw more attention to that, because they think viewers can't find the archive? I mean, I picture Vince trying to get the WWE app to load an old PPV before grumbling that he can't get it to work, throws his phone away, and wonders why they're even wasting time with this blasted network that nobody can figure out how to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoe Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Their is a new tab for Thursday at 2 pm called Video Vault greatest matches. Of course the 1st one is the Summerslam main event from 88. Maybe this could be turned into something cool. Not just ppv matches. We'll see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyonthewall2983 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I'm with Loss, I'm sticking around too. Sooner or later the obvious to us will become obvious to them. I still think it's the best idea they've had in years, and that it is a risk that will eventually pay off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Dog Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I honestly couldn't even tell you the day it comes out of my account. Plus I did get a $25 gift certificate for getting my friend to sign up. I played WOW in the early days and no one remembers the issues there used to be with that game even 5 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 WWE Network Update The quarter was highlighted by the ongoing ramp up of WWE Network, which attracted gross additions of 161,000 subscribers since WrestleMania on April 6th and ended the quarter at 700,000 subscribers, reflecting a net addition of 33,000 subscribers. To drive ongoing subscriber growth, the Company continues to execute a five-part strategy that includes making the network available in new geographies, creating new content, expanding distribution platforms, developing new features and enhancing its marketing. Critical aspects of this strategy include making WWE Network available in international markets and completing a new partnership with Rogers Communications, which provides the rights to distribute the network in Canada. • Customer Engagement: Viewer data indicates that, on average, 91% of subscribers access the network at least once per week and use 2.5 devices to consume network content. Moreover, consumer research indicates that 90% of subscribers are satisfied with WWE Network (with 51% extremely satisfied and 39% somewhat satisfied). • International Availability: The Company plans to make the U.S. version of WWE Network available on an overthe- top basis starting August 12th in over 170 countries and territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Spain and the Nordics, among others. The network is expected to be live in the U.K. by October 2014. Plans for the network in Italy, UAE, Germany, Japan, India, China, Thailand and Malaysia will be communicated at a later date. • Canada: The Company has entered into a new 10-year partnership with Rogers Communications, a leading media enterprise in Canada, under a landmark television programming and WWE Network agreement. The partnership facilitates the launch of WWE Network as a traditional a-la-carte Pay-TV channel in Rogers’ cable systems with a preview beginning August 12 and thereafter through other Pay-TV providers outside Rogers’ footprint. The partnership also renews Rogers’ license of the Raw and SmackDown television programs, and grants Rogers distribution rights to the Company's pay-per-views. • Consumer Marketing: To enhance awareness, additional marketing investment is planned around the popular SummerSlam pay-per-view event in August. The Company will also introduce new payment plans in August, including a $19.99 monthly plan (with no commitment) and an upfront one-time payment option for its existing $9.99 per month offering (with six month commitment). • Other Developments: Content coming to WWE Network includes The Monday Night War and WWE Rivalries, the most recent addition to the network’s program schedule, both of which provide a documentary-style look at some of the greatest moments in WWE history. Expanding current distribution, WWE Network is launching on several smart TVs and Blu-ray players in mid-August. The Company also plans to deliver a new "resume play" feature later this year. http://ir.corporate.wwe.com/CorporateProfile.aspx?iid=4121687 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jushin muta liger Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 $20 monthly for no commitment is something I wasn't expecting. It's begging people to commit for 6 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 128,000 subscribers figured out how to cancel? That's pretty scary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khawk20 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Wait, the network is being offered as a pay TV channel in Canada? If I read that right...WTF???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Wait, the network is being offered as a pay TV channel in Canada? If I read that right...WTF???? The thing with Canada is two telecoms pretty much dominate the scene. One of them happens to have acquired the RAW and Smackdown rights when the previous channel went under. And since they're a BIG company, it was probably easier for the WWE to present a plan to Rogers as said ala carte channel than it was the other times they tried to talk to various cable/satellite companies in the US before going with the current plan. Probably less risk on the WWE's part. If we compare ratios for Network viewing/RAW audiences in the US and apply them to Canada, they'd probably be looking at 50,000-60,000 subscribers in Canada via the web, which probably wouldn't be worth the cost. All this said, I'll be curious as to how it's presented here, as I mentioned in the other thread. Wouldn't shock me at all if it doesn't include PPVs (they were quick to mention PPVs separately in the summary above). Totally possible that won't be the case, but I'm keeping my eye on that. Will know better August 12th, but given how Canada gets things "differently" than the US in various media, it wouldn't shock me if the Network in Canada "officially" is more watered down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowboy hats Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I'll keep it because I'm lazy and, as many have mentioned, compared to other regular expenses (lunch, non-matinee movies), it's not a big deal. I always throught it odd that the original six month window gives you both Wrestlemania and Summerslam, but now I'm realizing it doesn't give you WM and the Royal Rumble, the latter of which will provide some value to me when it comes around. The only money I've spent on WWE since 2000 prior to this was attending WM 29 and splurging on that year's Royal Rumble. Their rollout of certain content and general inattention to programming has been disappointing, but I just want the user experience to be better. Give me a resume function, an actual search capability and chapter headings so I can easily watch a specific match on a given show (at this point I'd take just match timestamps like many amateur podcasts provide) and I'd be happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNLister Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 "Probably less risk on the WWE's part. If we compare ratios for Network viewing/RAW audiences in the US and apply them to Canada, they'd probably be looking at 50,000-60,000 subscribers in Canada via the web, which probably wouldn't be worth the cost." What cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khawk20 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 There has to be some sort of access to the VOD for Canada. It is/will be eventually the main reason I would subscribe to the network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Man in Blak Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 128,000 subscribers figured out how to cancel? That's pretty scary. Like I said a few pages back, I truly think the forced long-term commitment is what stung them and this is one of the specific areas where they got burned: people that thought they were trying out the Network for a month or two, like any other online content service, only to realize that they were locked into an unwanted six-month commitment through the fine print. With the per-month pricing structure that they're introducing (which I think is really smart) and customers becoming more familiar with what the product offers, I'm guessing the cancellation percentage will drop dramatically. EDIT: Also, I'm renewing, if only because I'm actually watching more old stuff via the Network than the current product, which has mostly been awful since Bryan was sidelined. I am surprised to hear, though, that there was stuff on the Classics on Demand service that isn't on the Network -- why would they hold that stuff back and immediately invite unfavorable comparisons to their previous service? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petey Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 A few reasons: they don't want to give away too much, too early. Stuff that was first on Classics may need to be re-edited (de-edited?) for The Network which I think means pretty much starting from scratch (it did seem that there was a bunch of stuff edited on CoD that hasn't been edited on The Network, like Benoit mentions and being able to say WWF). They also have to add closed captioning for everything which isn't a quick process. And finally, Mike Johnson did an article a few months ago about the process for uploading stuff and in general, it seemed harder than one would assume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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