How the heck are there only 2 comments on this that say "library"??!! Seriously, that is the only answer needed here. You want anything, ANYTHING, all that stuff listed there, just go to your local library and they'll find it for you. (This assumes you're in North America, may not apply to other places, not sure on that, also may assume your local library is not a tiny really broke library with no budget.)
In all seriousness, this doesn't scale; if the number of Netflix users started watching all their movies this way, there would be a huge and swift move towards either changing the libraries an insanely large fee for content (on top of their current structure) or some other legislative move to block it. Libraries are shielded by their perceived social capital, but that only goes so far.
Honestly, the only thing that a local well-funded library does not give you is instant gratification like Netflix streaming. If you are willing to setup a queue and allow most content 2-4 weeks for delivery, you should not have to pay for any music, [hard|soft|comic] books, magazines, or movies on DVD.
Granted, this is also for non-current releases.
Also, you may be underestimating the legal protections that libraries have, and also the voting power (and uncanny monetary resources) of the common library patron.
I am not an expert in the subject, but it would be interesting to see recent legislation for/against library systems (budget cuts notwithstanding).
What about the time and transportation costs? In my case, going to the library twice a week costs more than $8/month just in public transportation tickets.
Comments
I already know the cost of unlimited access to books; A library card is free.
How the heck are there only 2 comments on this that say "library"??!! Seriously, that is the only answer needed here. You want anything, ANYTHING, all that stuff listed there, just go to your local library and they'll find it for you. (This assumes you're in North America, may not apply to other places, not sure on that, also may assume your local library is not a tiny really broke library with no budget.)
In all seriousness, this doesn't scale; if the number of Netflix users started watching all their movies this way, there would be a huge and swift move towards either changing the libraries an insanely large fee for content (on top of their current structure) or some other legislative move to block it. Libraries are shielded by their perceived social capital, but that only goes so far.
Honestly, the only thing that a local well-funded library does not give you is instant gratification like Netflix streaming. If you are willing to setup a queue and allow most content 2-4 weeks for delivery, you should not have to pay for any music, [hard|soft|comic] books, magazines, or movies on DVD.
Granted, this is also for non-current releases.
Also, you may be underestimating the legal protections that libraries have, and also the voting power (and uncanny monetary resources) of the common library patron.
I am not an expert in the subject, but it would be interesting to see recent legislation for/against library systems (budget cuts notwithstanding).
What about the time and transportation costs? In my case, going to the library twice a week costs more than $8/month just in public transportation tickets.
Most libraries also have magazines, music, and movies too.