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> But to charge for a subscription to just use an offline app? So, if they make you sign in to their service to use the app, you would be ok with a subscriptio

> But to charge for a subscription to just use an offline app? So, if they make you sign in to their service to use the app, you would be ok with a subscription? Do you want/expect that app to be updated/supported over time? As someone who grew up with purchased box software followed by the pervasive availability of open source software, I severely dislike subscriptions for software products. In fact, auto-renew subscriptions in general are often a dark pattern IMHO. OTOH, I have to imagine that as a developer, if an app I produce is going to be used by 100 people, I can't financially sustain it by selling it for $2 one time. Also, if it's niche enough or novel enough to be difficult to reproduce, I can get away with a subscription. I think you hit the nail on the head with "But in every case those apps are providing me with a great value." Each developer is effectively a small business trying to create a product in exchange for money. If they price it too high or have unlikeable terms, they lose customers.

Damogran6 5y ago
I've known several people that were exceptionally talented and provided a product that couldn't otherwise be had...They were also really bad at business. Paying on time, Billing on time, TRACKING DOWN outstanding bills...pricing their services at a fair and competitive rate and doing so in a way that keeps them fed. It's not the magic trick, it's the marketing that makes or breaks a business.
ksec 5y ago
I think we should go back to upgrade pricing. Software subscription doesn't work, it makes sense from a developer and business perspective, but makes zero sense to consumer. Apple trying to court consumer to subscription has largely failed. A fair way would be the Apps wont be updated to include iOS (new) support. So after a few years if you decide to upgrade iOS, you will have to upgrade the Apps as well. Or basically buy the new version of App with upgrade pricing like you did in the old days.

Damogran6 5y ago

I've known several people that were exceptionally talented and provided a product that couldn't otherwise be had...They were also really bad at business. Paying on time, Billing on time, TRACKING DOWN outstanding bills...pricing their services at a fair and competitive rate and doing so in a way that keeps them fed. It's not the magic trick, it's the marketing that makes or breaks a business.

ksec 5y ago

I think we should go back to upgrade pricing. Software subscription doesn't work, it makes sense from a developer and business perspective, but makes zero sense to consumer. Apple trying to court consumer to subscription has largely failed. A fair way would be the Apps wont be updated to include iOS (new) support. So after a few years if you decide to upgrade iOS, you will have to upgrade the Apps as well. Or basically buy the new version of App with upgrade pricing like you did in the old days.