4 ms·

> Monthly payments forever for standalone apps is a big no no in my book. I get annoyed even just writing about it. Same. I often see good software then see th

by 2cb 6y ago

> Monthly payments forever for standalone apps is a big no no in my book. I get annoyed even just writing about it. Same. I often see good software then see they run on a subscription model and nope right out of there. If it was a one-off reasonable price I'd pay. Sometimes I am happy to pay a small yearly fee if it's real nice software and I wanna support the dev. But monthly subscriptions is stupid to me.

bombcar 6y ago
A subscription has to provide SOMETHING that I consider “ongoing” to be of value to me - 1Password syncing for example, or email - before I’ll consider it. Otherwise I’m looking for another option as I can’t be five and dimed to death by little subscriptions.
- alex_g 6y ago
  Do you consider "ongoing" to be synonymous with "server costs"? As someone trying to figure out a pricing model for a currently-local-only app, I'm genuinely curious.
  - eitland 6y ago
    Personally I've thought this over a few times as has many others. As a software dev myself I'm fully aware that at least internet facing software must be maintained and that maintenance is actual work and should be paid. On the other hand there are so many apps where a subscription feels flat out dumb, so here are some alternatives: - tokens instead of subscriptions. Just don't make it another dumb whaling business or a toddler trap. E.g: local play free, networked game takes one token from one player. I'd be happy to not have to type payment details into my kids phones. You could even make a social thing out of it. Maybe I'll pay as much but 1. if I stop using it won't drain my bank account until I realize (making me feel stupid) 2. I don't lose access to my data. - meaningful upgrades/add ons - yearly releases - monthly but with perpetual license for the last paid release (Jetbrains model)
  - bombcar 6y ago
    Not synonymous but inclusive, yes. Something like a backup app that provides the cloud stuff, 1Password sync, game servers, etc. Continual improvement also counts as ongoing - but for many small utilities there’s only so much you can improve. A good thing I’ve seen is a subscription where you can buy a “lifetime” for what is probably 2x expected subscription value or something.

by 2cb 6y ago

bombcar 6y ago

A subscription has to provide SOMETHING that I consider “ongoing” to be of value to me - 1Password syncing for example, or email - before I’ll consider it. Otherwise I’m looking for another option as I can’t be five and dimed to death by little subscriptions.

alex_g 6y ago
Do you consider "ongoing" to be synonymous with "server costs"? As someone trying to figure out a pricing model for a currently-local-only app, I'm genuinely curious.
- eitland 6y ago
  Personally I've thought this over a few times as has many others. As a software dev myself I'm fully aware that at least internet facing software must be maintained and that maintenance is actual work and should be paid. On the other hand there are so many apps where a subscription feels flat out dumb, so here are some alternatives: - tokens instead of subscriptions. Just don't make it another dumb whaling business or a toddler trap. E.g: local play free, networked game takes one token from one player. I'd be happy to not have to type payment details into my kids phones. You could even make a social thing out of it. Maybe I'll pay as much but 1. if I stop using it won't drain my bank account until I realize (making me feel stupid) 2. I don't lose access to my data. - meaningful upgrades/add ons - yearly releases - monthly but with perpetual license for the last paid release (Jetbrains model)
- bombcar 6y ago
  Not synonymous but inclusive, yes. Something like a backup app that provides the cloud stuff, 1Password sync, game servers, etc. Continual improvement also counts as ongoing - but for many small utilities there’s only so much you can improve. A good thing I’ve seen is a subscription where you can buy a “lifetime” for what is probably 2x expected subscription value or something.