I was a bit surprised when I found out that Hastings was appointed to the Microsoft board almost four years ago - he really stands out there on a board that's mostly older captains of industry and finance. Maybe I'm dumb, but I don't really buy the "put him on the board so that we can get streaming video help". Sure netflix's tech and infrastructure is substantial but it's not like it's that difficult from a 10,000 foot level. My take is these big ass companies want him for his proven ability to plan, execute and succeed with a complicated multi-stage long term view business plan.