Some 'House of Cards' viewers do whatever it takes to watch

[Rohith_Kumar_Sp]

The world really wants to see how a President Frank Underwood might helm the United States, and like Underwood himself, a number of those "House of Cards" viewers are willing to bend or break certain laws and ethical codes to achieve that goal.
 

OK, so maybe torrenting the third season of "House of Cards" is nowhere near tossing a reporter in front of a moving train on the continuum of moral naughtiness, but what's clear is that an increasing number of viewers have no qualms engaging in a little piracy to binge on the third season of the hit Netflix series.
 

According to statistics from piracy-tracking outfit Excipio published by Variety, more than double the number of downloaders grabbed illegitimate copies of the third season from torrent sites compared with the number that pirated season two last year in the first 24 hours after it became available. In total, that's over 680,000 downloaders this year versus just 320,000 in 2014.
 

Roughly one-third of those downloads come from countries where Netflix is not currently available, led by China and India, but 50,000 are in the United States and tens of thousands more are in Canada, the UK, France and the Netherlands, where less than the cost of a single cinema ticket will get you a one-month streaming subscription, including dozens of hours of "House of Cards," and thousands of hours of other streaming titles.
 

Hey, we all want something for free online these days and I get that Frank Underwood himself might have a bit of the pirate spirit in him, but as a content creator myself, I tend to be a fan of copyright. Besides, do we really want to emulate Francis? He sure gets what he wants, but still seems like a miserable sod in the end heading for a fate in the same vein as Walter White if I had to guess now.
 

The pirates still seem to be the minority when it comes to watching "House of Cards," though. It's been reported that somewhere between 2 and 5 million Netflix subscribers watched the second season when it debuted last year, and there's reason to believe those numbers are even higher for Season 3.
 

Networking firm Sandvine saw a 10 to 35 percent increase in Netflix bandwidth usage this past weekend, starting with the release of the new season on Friday. This appears to be different from the debut weekend for Season 2, during which another firm, Procera, found no appreciable rise in Netflix traffic. While comparing different data sources from different firms is far from scientific, it's just another interesting nugget that seems to indicate that the popularity of "House of Cards" is growing with each season.
 

Sandvine also told Business Insider that it estimates that on Sunday, nearly half -- 45 percent -- of all US bandwidth was taken up by Netflix viewing. Since Netflix normally takes up about 30 percent of bandwidth at that time, you might reason that 15 percent of US bandwidth was dedicated to watching "House of Cards." Netflix holds its own cards very close to its vest, however. The company has never released viewership numbers for the series.
 

This all brings us to the question on my mind: How much further can Frank Underwood go? What will he do to become president of the entire galaxy? What lengths will he go to get on that Mars One colonial team? Better get back to binge-watching..."

OP : Well that's what gonna happen when you are only available  in US and Canada 



http://www.cnet.com/news/some-house-of-cards-viewers-do-whatever-it-takes-to-watch/

[Brawhammer]

I have paid for my netflix sub for around 4 months without watching jack on it.

 

I am happy to continue paying for it without even using it if it means it stays alive and netflix continues to make  HOC.

 

There are many like me who will continue to pay for a service if it means it continues. I know there are many pirates out there but jesus christ guys it's like £7.99 a month. That's a one time fee for 13 episodes at 49 minutes that's nearly 12 hours of TV, 12 hours of entertainment for £7.99 and 12 excuses to get out of that party you don't want to go to.

 

Selfish if you ask me. There is no reason for people not to pay for netlfix. If you cannot afford it don't pirate it. 

[Snickerzz]

I have paid for my netflix sub for around 4 months without watching jack on it.

 

I am happy to continue paying for it without even using it if it means it stays alive and netflix continues to make  HOC.

 

There are many like me who will continue to pay for a service if it means it continues. I know there are many pirates out there but jesus christ guys it's like £7.99 a month. That's a one time fee for 13 episodes at 49 minutes that's nearly 12 hours of TV, 12 hours of entertainment for £7.99 and 12 excuses to get out of that party you don't want to go to.

 

Selfish if you ask me. There is no reason for people not to pay for netlfix. If you cannot afford it don't pirate it.

i pay for it but hardly use it.. But when i want to watch somsthing and its ready at a few button presses/clicks im glad i have it

[Nineshadow]

I have paid for my netflix sub for around 4 months without watching jack on it.

 

I am happy to continue paying for it without even using it if it means it stays alive and netflix continues to make  HOC.

 

There are many like me who will continue to pay for a service if it means it continues. I know there are many pirates out there but jesus christ guys it's like £7.99 a month. That's a one time fee for 13 episodes at 49 minutes that's nearly 12 hours of TV, 12 hours of entertainment for £7.99 and 12 excuses to get out of that party you don't want to go to.

 

Selfish if you ask me. There is no reason for people not to pay for netlfix. If you cannot afford it don't pirate it. 

IT'S NOT AVAILABLE HERE!

 

Also, OP, thanks for telling me about S3. Time to watch it

[Brawhammer]

IT'S NOT AVAILABLE HERE!

 

Also, OP, thanks for telling me about S3. Time to watch it

 

Then don't watch it. How is theft justifiable?

 

-- I retract this statement because people are getting majorly screwed --

[alexyy]

It's because netflix suck at making it available in all country's and people are forced to torrent it. 

[Torg73]

There is going to be pirates no mater how much of a bargain you can get your entertainment as soon as they can get it, but for me I can wait till I can watch it on Streaming services like Netflix even if it takes a year to get the next season of a show I lkie.

 

For £5.99 per month Netflix is a bargain atm for me with some good selection of TV show's that I would never watch otherwise.  I plan to start watching House of Cards series 3 today, looking forward to it.

[RedSpade]

I have paid for my netflix sub for around 4 months without watching jack on it.

 

I am happy to continue paying for it without even using it if it means it stays alive and netflix continues to make  HOC.

 

There are many like me who will continue to pay for a service if it means it continues. I know there are many pirates out there but jesus christ guys it's like £7.99 a month. That's a one time fee for 13 episodes at 49 minutes that's nearly 12 hours of TV, 12 hours of entertainment for £7.99 and 12 excuses to get out of that party you don't want to go to.

 

Selfish if you ask me. There is no reason for people not to pay for netlfix. If you cannot afford it don't pirate it.

 

Unfortunately Netflix isn't available everywhere, like Aus. We can either never get it (which is the case with House of Cards) or (as an example Game of thrones) pay for Foxtel and that'll cost you $175 upfront then $45 a month... I for one am not paying that much!

[Sidiox]

I'd gladly pay for Netflix if I would have the Internet speed to support it. Atm downloading is my only choice if I want to watch it

[Rohith_Kumar_Sp]

Then don't watch it. How is theft justifiable?

"You are being watched. The government has a secret system: a machine that spies on you every hour of every day" - Person of Interest  in-case anyone's wondering 

i love that damn show to death , really underrated show.

[s3ns3]

netflix is avaible in like 4 countries. ofc i will pirate this series. not my fault 

[megaemil]

I have paid for netflix since it came to Denmark. Danish netflix sucks, but Hola Unblocker still works fine, so im free to watch whatever i want on Netflix, of course it's not legal but, if they cancel my subscription i'll go straight back to my ship. Ye mateys be ready for sum plunderin' 

[Brawhammer]

"You are being watched. The government has a secret system: a machine that spies on you every hour of every day" - Person of Interest  in-case anyone's wondering 

i love that damn show to death , really underrated show.

 

Person Of Interest <3

[ShadowCaptain]

SNIP

 

Same there are some months where I hardly use it but I am happy to contribute to netflix and all the tv show and movie people on there!

 

plus its dirt cheap and a great service

[Brawhammer]

Unfortunately Netflix isn't available everywhere, like Aus. We can either never get it (which is the case with House of Cards) or (as an example Game of thrones) pay for Foxtel and that'll cost you $175 upfront then $45 a month... I for one am not paying that much!

 

ah you guys are getting screwed so much

[rummykan]

Unfortunately Netflix isn't available everywhere, like Aus. We can either never get it (which is the case with House of Cards) or (as an example Game of thrones) pay for Foxtel and that'll cost you $175 upfront then $45 a month... I for one am not paying that much!

Did you know that netflix is coming to Aus later this year?

 

Eagerly waiting for the chance to sign up, Foxtel is just way too expensive with the pay per channel system.

[Shroomster]

Ahhhh, good that Netflix is availavable here. I don't know what I would do without the service. And it is cheap af as well.

[s3ns3]

Ahhhh, good that Netflix is availavable here. I don't know what I would do without the service. And it is cheap af as well.

you would pirate.like all the rest of the world

 

the only crime is the lack of content

[TwistedDictator]

I have paid for my netflix sub for around 4 months without watching jack on it.

 

I am happy to continue paying for it without even using it if it means it stays alive and netflix continues to make  HOC.

 

There are many like me who will continue to pay for a service if it means it continues. I know there are many pirates out there but jesus christ guys it's like £7.99 a month. That's a one time fee for 13 episodes at 49 minutes that's nearly 12 hours of TV, 12 hours of entertainment for £7.99 and 12 excuses to get out of that party you don't want to go to.

 

Selfish if you ask me. There is no reason for people not to pay for netlfix. If you cannot afford it don't pirate it. 

 

"If you cannot afford it do n't pirate it." - Fixed.

 

Obviously get it if you can afford it, not eveyone has the money to spend on netflixs. A lot of people are struggling in the world (I mean real struggle, when having a hard time paying bills) and its nice to watch a GOOD show and zone out at times.

 

A lot of people on here are quite young which would find this comment stupid. XenZibe you dont see the "bigger picture" maybe because you're around 18 still living with your parents. You pay for netflix and you dont use it? You just blow money for no reason? Not eveyone can do that. We dont have parents to throw money at us.

 

 

[Brawhammer]

"If you cannot afford it do n't pirate it." - Fixed.

 

Obviously get it if you can afford it, not eveyone has the money to spend on netflixs. A lot of people are struggling in the world (I mean real struggle, when having a hard time paying bills) and its nice to watch a GOOD show and zone out at times.

 

So because you don't get enough money means that people that work 9 to 5 should have to pay more because you don't pay for it.

 

Pirates drive up prices because not enough people buy and those that do aren't paying enough to make the company money.

 

You wouldn't walk into Walmart and steal the boxset of your favourite show and justify it by saying.. eh sorry I don't have any money BUT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO WATCH IT BECAUSE MY LIFE IS SHIT!

 

No. Get out. 

[TwistedDictator]

So because you don't get enough money means that people that work 9 to 5 should have to pay more because you don't pay for it.

 

Pirates drive up prices because not enough people buy and those that do aren't paying enough to make the company money.

 

You wouldn't walk into Walmart and steal the boxset of your favourite show and justify it by saying.. eh sorry I don't have any money BUT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO WATCH IT BECAUSE MY LIFE IS SHIT!

 

No. Get out. 

 

This will be final comment I make as you just simply stupid. I didnt say people should pay more. Physical copys and digital copys are different. Majority of people can afford it, its netflix fault for the distibutuion system.

 

I guess you dont understand piracy, you just simple assume piracy is done just because of price.

[Brawhammer]

This will be final comment I make as you just simply stupid. I didnt say people should pay more. Physical copys and digital copys are different. Majority of people can afford it, its netflix fault for the distibutuion system.

 

You don't understand economics or business.

 

Company A makes film A for £100

 

Person A pays £10

 

Person 2 pays £10

 

And so on.

 

However 9 people pay and 1 person pirates.

 

That company has lost money, In order to get that money back, next time they charge more. Make their money back all because someone STOLE the content that they made. It is not netflixes fault for anything. They are very pro customer, they have amazing support and they give everyone the best possible way to watch their content. You saying "Oh, well, It's netflix fault cause I don't have any money and they make it too easy"

 

No, You are stupid and you don't understand business or how any of this works. Your a pirate and I seriously hope you get shafted.

[Victorious Secret]

This will be final comment I make as you just simply stupid. I didnt say people should pay more. Physical copys and digital copys are different. Majority of people can afford it, its netflix fault for the distibutuion system.

 

No it isn't? The only shows that Netflix controls the distribution on are their own shows. Thats it. They're not launching Netflix in every single country just for their shows. Thats stupidly expensive. 

 

Studios control the distribution. Its why Netflix USA has more content than Netflix Canada which has more content than everywhere else. Studios decide what Netflix can show and where. Netflix has no choice in the matter. 

[TwistedDictator]

You don't understand economics or business.

 

Company A makes film A for £100

 

Person A pays £10

 

Person 2 pays £10

 

And so on.

 

However 9 people pay and 1 person pirates.

 

That company has lost money, In order to get that money back, next time they charge more. Make their money back all because someone STOLE the content that they made. It is not netflixes fault for anything. They are very pro customer, they have amazing support and they give everyone the best possible way to watch their content. You saying "Oh, well, It's netflix fault cause I don't have any money and they make it too easy"

 

No, You are stupid and you don't understand business or how any of this works. Your a pirate and I seriously hope you get shafted.

 

Firstly I have netflix. I was talking about Piracy you idiot. End of the day you cant stop piracy so they just find a business plan that generate them money. There is no point in arguging with a fool that has netflixs but does not use it at all.

 

 

No it isn't? The only shows that Netflix controls the distribution on are their own shows. Thats it. They're not launching Netflix in every single country just for their shows. Thats stupidly expensive. 

 

Studios control the distribution. Its why Netflix USA has more content than Netflix Canada which has more content than everywhere else. Studios decide what Netflix can show and where. Netflix has no choice in the matter. 

 

And thats a problem. Thats why netflix should find a way to fixs this issue. House of cards is a Netflix show.

[Techteen14]

"If you cannot afford it do n't pirate it." - Fixed.

 

Obviously get it if you can afford it, not eveyone has the money to spend on netflixs. A lot of people are struggling in the world (I mean real struggle, when having a hard time paying bills) and its nice to watch a GOOD show and zone out at times.

 

A lot of people on here are quite young which would find this comment stupid. XenZibe you dont see the "bigger picture" maybe because you're around 18 still living with your parents. You pay for netflix and you dont use it? You just blow money for no reason? Not eveyone can do that. We dont have parents to throw money at us.

 

Hmm, it's interesting how someone "struggling" can afford a TV, Internet, a laptop, tablet, smartphone desktop and/or some other device necessary to Pirate Bay access, but not a $9.99/mo streaming service...

 

Theft is theft. Whether it's digital or physical, someone is losing money. Would you be OK with someone robbing your house if the were "struggling?" I know I wouldn't.