Netflix annoys viewers by testing adverts
By Staff reporter 
Aug 21, 2018
INTERNATIONAL - Netflix has started introducing adverts in between show episodes to promote the streaming site's other offerings.
As part of a controlled test, only a selected group of subscribers saw the advertising. The company confirmed to tech-website ARS Technica on Friday that it is testing promos for its original shows and movies in between TV episodes while users are binging.
"We are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster," Netflix said.
According to ARS Technica, Netflix confirmed that the promos are skippable, which counters at least one significant Reddit claim from the UK that they are not.
A number of viewers have responded badly to the trial, with many complaining on social media.
Here are what users had to say on Twitter:
@netflix yes and when we got cable in the late 70s, it was.promoted as "commercial-free tv." Generational Greed. What's next, Tide pod ads? How much is Tide gonna pay you?
— Louis (@NOLA3730) August 20, 2018
Trust me if Netflix adds ads then other streaming services will go ad free and get the people. We are no longer in the 90s or early 2000s.
— Misa Franco (@misafrancoO) August 20, 2018
For some reason my Netflix tweet from a few days ago suddenly got 150 RTs and replies. No idea what happened.
— Drift0r The Gremlin Magnet (@Drift0r) August 20, 2018
Thoughts on that: I just hate ads or interruptions. One of the best things about Netflix is that I have total control over what I watch and nothing is forced.
@netflix so I’m paying to watch ads now
— mikeburns1 (@mikeburnz1) August 20, 2018
We’re paying for a service to not see ads or trailers. Instead off going forward to the future Netflix are going backwards to the Cable time.
— Burnt_Boi (@AltBatmanHendo) August 20, 2018
@Netflixhelps @netflix if you guys end up placing ADS between episodes for a service I PAY FOR, you will be losing not 1 but 4 paying customers as I have a membership for TWO house holds. Sincerely, an angry customer in Canada.
— krystingayle♊️ (@krystingayle_) August 20, 2018
@netflix I pay you so I don't have to sit through Ads or Trailers. If you are going force this on us, like every other typical streaming services, I expect a discount on my subscription. smh
— Tristan Finisher (@TristanFinisher) August 20, 2018
“You can no longer post reviews on Netflix,” the page reads. “Netflix customers were able to leave reviews on Netflix.com until mid-2018, when reviews were removed due to declining use.”
Netflix has previously stated it would remove user reviews, notifying users who posted reviews that the feature would no longer be available.
- BUSINESS REPORT ONLINE