5 small changes that would make Netflix so much better to use (NFLX)

house of cards

Netflix introduced a new ratings system in April: Instead of letting you rate movies and shows from one to five stars, Netflix now just wants to know "thumbs up, or thumbs down?"

As we've written about, Netflix's new ratings system is not only confusing, it's fundamentally flawed.

That said, the likelihood Netflix starts from scratch here is slim to none. The company has invested significant resources into this new system, and Netflix likely has some statistics that support how well the new system works. Still, there are several small ways Netflix could supplement the current setup to make the experience so much better:

1. Connect with other internet services like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDB for more ratings/information.

I understand Netflix is invested in its own algorithm, but having “a second opinion,” so to speak, would go a long way in tailoring the user experience — and even improving Netflix’s own data. I would love to be able to quickly consult Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB, for instance, since they’re widely-used and generally reliable in terms of recommendations. Netflix would get brownie points if it could let other ratings services connect as well. (I personally still read Roger Ebert’s reviews site, for instance, and would love to see how they reviewed any titles available on Netflix.)

2. Let me choose to watch a trailer.

Netflix recently added an auto-play feature where, if you’re hovering over a title, it will automatically play a trailer or teaser for that movie or show. Trailers can be really helpful in deciding what to watch, but I don't always want to watch a trailer. And Netflix's implementation can really get annoying, since there’s no option to turn off the sound as it auto-plays and trying to read the description before the trailer starts is an anxiety-inducing experience that’s unnecessary.