3 ms·
A potentially better analogy might be a library. The library borrowing model existed long before software, so one can't argue that modern software subscription
by cnity 3y ago
A potentially better analogy might be a library. The library borrowing model existed long before software, so one can't argue that modern software subscription models "enabled" this "predatory" practice.
I can borrow as much as I can read from the library, but I can't keep the books I haven't read at home while I am not a member. The books never really belong to me, just as the HP ink never really belong to users (until they are printed onto paper, at which point they become a constituent part of a "page" which _is_ owned by the user).
I think the cognitive dissonance arises because this "borrowing" model is being applied to a _consumable product_, which is not common.
- justinjlynn 3y agoWhen the product costs essentially little to nothing to manufacture - in comparison to the cost charged to the consumer - it may as well be considered a durable good to the manufacturer which allows you to "borrow" it for a fee that far exceeds the cost of lifetime replacement.
- Aeolun 3y agoFor this analogy to work the library would have to trash the books you borrowed after you cancelled your subscription.
- iso1631 3y agoPerhaps a train then. I buy an annual season ticket for a London-Reading journey with a monthly direct debit. I then decide after 3 months I no longer want to use it, so I cancel the direct debit, and my account is settled The train still goes, I'm no longer allowed to use it.