Netflix CEO: Americans 'Self-Absorbed'

Probably glad this one isn’t streaming online. Reed Hastings, the co-founder and CEO of Netflix, recently expanded beyond his 15 million American subscribers into the Canadian market. He’s even offering the Canadians a cheaper introductory price to join Netflix—$7.99, compared to $8.99 in the U.S. When questioned whether American subscribers would ask for a similar discount, Hastings responded, “How much has it been your experience that Americans follow what happens in the world? It's something we'll monitor, but Americans are somewhat self-absorbed.” Netflix will only offer its streaming service in Canada and not DVD-by-mail, since, he says, “There's a finite market for DVD-by-mail, and the growth over the next 10 years will be in streaming.” The company is looking to further expand in Western Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Russia.