Change – Is It Good or Bad?

It is interesting how quickly things change. Remember how countertop microwaves were the rage and now stores only have a few models to choose from because the built-ins are the thing now. And, look at how cameras and camcorders have evolved over the last few years. The change in these electronic devices has been dramatic – from big to so small, from film to digital, from heavy to featherweight. The list could go on and on, but today the message is on big business. Recently, I learned that Blockbuster Video probably will not stay in business through the end of the year. Another big company “bites the dust.”

I recall how wonderful it has been to walk around a Blockbuster store, select a movie at your own pace, and rent it using your “special” Blockbuster card, and then watching the video in the privacy of your home. I have not heard about how other video rental businesses such as Hollywood or Netflix (mail-order) are doing, but it has been nice to have the neighborhood Blockbusters, making rentals so convenient. I rarely see a Hollywood store, and no matter how convenient they try to make it, Netflix is still work on a customer’s part. They do have the instant TV showings, but the selection is poor.

Just yesterday, I ran in MY Blockbuster store and rented the newly released Bedroom Stories and The Tales of Despereaux, and a real oldie, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. We are taking our grandchildren to Blowing Rock over the Easter holiday, and the place where we are staying does not have pay-per-view selections. They only have a collection of DVD’s that guests can borrow, and I don’t recall seeing any new releases on the list. I guess we could live without looking at movies for a few days, but the children do enjoy it (and so do I), especially before bedtime.

We have Time Warner’s On Demand feature at home, and we do use it. However, it takes a while for the new releases to be available, and then they do not stay out there for very long. I could also purchase movies on-line, but, frankly, I do not usually watch a movie more than once, maybe twice, and I don’t want to start a collection of DVD’s to have to manage.

I know I’ll cope with this change, because, knowing how things work in our country, there will be something new to replace the services that Blockbuster has given us, making the company a distant memory in a short time. Thank you, Blockbuster, for a great service to me.