The King of Streams Is Dead
Streaming in the Wake of ‘Game of Thrones’
With the conclusion of “Game of Thrones” earlier this year, the streaming industry looks eerily similar to the first season of HBO’s fantasy series. The king of binge-watching is dead. The once-proud house of HBO Now is trying desperately to maintain its dominance, but there’s plenty of streaming royalty vying for the crown. Most interesting of all are the different tactics these services are using to win over subscribers. Netflix Gets in the Robot The most venerable of the streaming houses, Netflix has spent the last two years courting a new ally: anime fans. This flirtation with Japanese animation reached a fever pitch in June with the re-release of 1995 cult classic “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” A heady psychological drama told with giant robots, religious iconography, and tormented characters, “Evangelion” isn’t for everyone, but it’s still revered by many for its complex story. The fact that Netflix was willing to pay a king’s ransom to bring this hugely influential show back to the U.S. underscores their commitment to winning over anime lovers. Hulu’s Old Enough to Party Hulu may have looked like an upstart a decade ago, but the video-on-demand service has always had powerful friends. Thanks to early alliances with broadcasting giants like NBC and Fox, the service has always been defined by great, binge-worthy shows. Riding the success of “Brooklyn 99” and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu has turned its attention to film, releasing several classics this summer including “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and “Superbad.” By finally beefing up its movie selection, the site feels like it’s come of age.
Communicating With the IRS
4 Tips to Reduce Your Stress and Gain Leverage It can be incredibly stressful to get a certified letter from the IRS or to learn you owe significantly more in taxes than you expected. These are situations none of us want to be in, but it is the reality for thousands of Americans every year. As stressful as receiving letters from the IRS can be, you can take action to mitigate the anxiety. 1.) Work with a highly specialized tax problem solver —or in the case of the small-business owner, a CPA for the Self-Employed®. A specialized expert can help you make sure your tax returns are correct and advise you on your best next step. 2.) When dealing with collections notices, don’t assume you have to pay the full amount if you can’t afford it. You have the right to negotiate a number that is more affordable and fair for your situation. For instance, you have this option if your income has dropped since the previous tax year. The problem is that many people aren’t aware of their options when dealing with the IRS, but a CPA for the Self-Employed® will know the ins and outs of the system, granting you relief where possible. 3.) You can press the IRS. If you try to negotiate with the IRS in order to develop a more manageable payment plan and they refuse, you have the right to appeal. You don’t want to give up after receiving your first no. You should be assertive to get your issue resolved in a fair manner.
Amazon Expands ‘The Expanse’
Like many wise rulers before it, Amazon has made a bid for the throne by giving the people what they want. The multimedia giant shrewdly picked
This is why, when I represent a client who’s facing the IRS, I don’t give up. If you’re persistent and fight for what’s right, you can get a fair result. 4.) You are not required to talk to the IRS directly, whether over the phone or in person. In fact, I highly recommend against it. From the second you greet one of their representatives, everything you say goes on record. You might not know the best things to say, and what you do say can jeopardize your negotiations. Instead, if you insist on representing yourself, communicate with the IRS through the mail. This way, everything is documented, you can thoroughly plan everything you want to say, and you can have complete control over your communications with the IRS. –Toph Sheldon
up the rights to “The Expanse” after Syfy canceled it last year, delighting fans who petitioned for the show’s continuation. But Amazon’s likely trying to reach more than just science fiction lovers; the fact that “The Expanse” has widely been described as “‘Game of Thrones’ in space” suggests Amazon is hoping to convert HBO fans directly.
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