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Apps that shouldn't be Subscriptions
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this post was submitted on 15 Dec 2023
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This seems to be the model I've witnessed with many apps over the years. Free at first to get traction and users, then ads, then pay one time fee to get rid of ads, then subscription to keep using the app.
Then there are those that wouldn't even pay a single fee and get upset at the thought as everything should be free.
The part that is upsetting is the contributions the early community made is monetized when they were ~~they~~ there for the benefit of the community.
I do see there are costs to maintaining and updating these apps so I can understand a need to keep revenue flowing for these future costs. The one time payment is a hell of a deal for years with updates to accommodate the revisions needed for each system update let alone functionality improvements.
In the old days we would buy software for our PC and that was it. There wasn't really any updates or further support for newer versions of Windows. The software would become very insecure or just stop functioning altogether with enough changes to windows.
It's hard to find the right balance. I know I only want to pay once, or heck never, but I want these upgrades and updates too.
Enshittification :(
There’s actually quite a lot of software that monetises similarly to what you’re proposing. DxO and Ableton, just off the top of my head. Millions of happy users between those 2.
You get minor version updates for “free” (included in the one-time purchase). Upgrades to the next major version are discounted. Don’t need the features in the next major version? Stick with what you have for however long it works for you.
It’s by far my favourite model because it allows the developers to get paid, whilst not squeezing my neck. Everyone’s happy.
Precisely! It keeps them honest. Furthermore, it forces closing the feedback loop with users. Developers need to understand what features users want most, and what bugs or usability issues need to be prioritised. Not listening to feedback means no future revenue, simple as that.
The subscription model does none of that. It’s just a greedy money-grab.
You fail to sell when you fail to timely implement desirable features. And you fail to prioritise properly when you disregard or misinterpret feedback.
None of this is better mitigated by subscription models.
I have a photography program, that is a "buy once" model, but if you bought it, you can get a subscription for updates on-top. Once you unsubscribe the updates stop, but aren't retracted. I find that to be a very reasonable solution.