Based on the details around Plex’s latest round of funding (google it for yourself, April 2021, or look at the Plex blog) - I think it’s pretty clear Plex is trying to move their reliance off of server admins.
They think they will make good money on free streaming ad-dollars, like a Pluto or Crackle or whatever else is out there (HA).
Whether or not that will work out for them remains to be seen. Ad-supported streaming is a tough business. Folks I know will hop to the nearest free streaming service without a second thought. For them to want to rely on that is mind boggling to me. They’re a fickle source of revenue compared to Server Admins.
I’m not surprised to see Plex doing this, but I am surprised in how quickly certain core features are being put on the back burner. It risks pulling out the chair from under the business
You’d think they’d throw admins a bone every once in a while - like this feature. I’m sure your free streaming analytics numbers are impressive, but remember many of those hits are just opportunistic folks that will drop you in a moment.
We’re your biggest fans and most loyal supporters, Plex. We’re being a pain in the ass because we want to stay!
Later edit: In an attempt to get server admins back in the game, I have created a feature request about an “add-on” donation subscription. If interested - check it out. ( Below is the link after mods merged it into another donation feature request. )
