Netflix to Raise Prices for New Subscribers

This week's news about Netflix is that they will be raising their subscription prices for new users. Existing subscribers will be able to keep their rate of streaming $7.99 per month. The shareholder letter states that "These changes will enable us to acquire more content and deliver an even better streaming experience."

Without a doubt, these changes are a result of so much attention they have been getting for their Netflix Original Series. Shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards have been spiking up Netflix membership numbers. They've also changed Netflix from simply being a content delivery system to being content creators, able to deliver their own creative material.

As long as I'm still able to watch all of my TV shows, I'm happy for the time being. The shift in Netflix's corporate image is exciting! Seeing their name in headlines right alongside network providers like HBO and AMC gives me confidence that this change is only going to help in their growth.

The Women of Mad Men- Season 7

The season premiere of Mad Men's 7th season was two nights ago! I love having the dashing Don Draper, the spectacular Joan Harris and the never-saying-never Peggy Ohlson back in my life. Being at a business school helps me appreciate the show from various different angles. The episodes in which we see the advertisers coming up with witty taglines, nostalgic images and trying to woo new clients are some of my favorites.

The Women of Mad Men: Betty, Joan & Peggy

Joan Harris and Peggy Ohlson are also two women who I love watching. As the seasons progress, Matthew Weiner, the creator, head writer and producer, allows most of the characters to develop a distinct arc. The 1960s were an incredible time for women. From the fight for equal pay to the freedom to use contraception, there was a spike in activism from women. Mad Men does an excellent job of depicting the progress of women in the workplace. 

In the first episode of the seventh season, we see the staff in their new office setting. In the last season, we could see Joan wanting to have a greater impact on the business than just being the overall office manager. She has the opportunity to meet and salvage an opportunity with a client in the first episode of this season. It's clear that this is going to be a struggle, as when she meets the client, he doesn't take her seriously, and requests a meeting with Ken Cosgrove, the Accounts Executive at the newly formed Sterling Cooper & Partners. I'm excited and anxious to see how she navigates these conflicts this season, as I'm sure this won't be the first time we see Joan struggle to fit in in the workplace.

House of Cards- Production Analysis

This is a post related to a paper that I wrote for my COM311 course, "Money, Power and Communication" about the popular Netflix TV show, House of Cards.

While watching House of Cards, there are so many characters and plot lines to keep track of. The one that most captured my attention was the portrayal of women and journalists. House of Cards has an approach that is clouded with cynicism but I find it reliable because of the show writer's background working in politics. Beau Willimon was involved in many political campaigns, including the first one that harnessed the power of the internet. He brings in his knowledge of how internet and social media can be harnessed for both good and bad through Zoe Barnes' character, a  spritely young girl who wants to change the scene of journalism. 

Click below to read my entire paper.