At the end of the article (where the ask how they'll gauge interest, given how people consume the shows) I have to assume that somewhat like network television, they'll take into account initial viewers, slightly delayed (it's in their queue, but watched within a few months,) longer delays (which might mimic re-runs,) critical reception, and then outright DVD/Blu-ray sales. Those go in descending order of importance, with initial viewers carrying more weight than much later sales. - Jennifer Dittrich