How do you feel about subscription based plugins?

[audiot]

there must be a reason why big companies like Adobe switch to subscription-only This isnt done for the users, it's done for the shareholders.

I'm pretty sure Adobe's cloud was brought in to defeat cracked/pirated software, but I don't know how successful that's been. I haven't used dodgy software in a long time, from a selfish point of view I don't like the risk to my data or my PC's stability and from a more altruistic POV I understand what goes into creating functional products and although there'll now always be (ever exapanding) freeware/open source options that's no excuse for stealing from people who do charge for their work.

Even if it's done for that reason, the business model sucks. And you can still download pirated versions from 2018 (before they switched to subscription) Fortunatly the competition for Adobe is rising (Affinity f.e.) I will not support companies that take advantage of their market position in a way that Adobe did ... or anyone else with subscription-only, even if the alternative is missing one or two features.

[jochicago]

I'm pretty sure Adobe's cloud was brought in to defeat cracked/pirated software, but I don't know how successful that's been.

It wasn't about piracy. They figured out that people were willing to pay 2 or 3 times more if the cost was broken down monthly instead of a single payment upfront. Since they went subscription their income skyrocketed and people using their software felt they had no choice because Adobe software was the standard for a few industries
https://www.statista.com/statistics/266 ... ince-2004/
https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/char ... /net-worth

Even though the company had extra literal $billions to invest in development, the software quality did not improve (most users would argue it's gone down vs what it was before the switch). And it is not much harder to hack than it was before, since it still works as an executable package that runs on the client machine.

Personally, I use and recommend Affinity. During the pandemic they did a 50% solidarity discount so anyone could have gotten the equivalent of AI, PS and ID for $75 total.

[Skyfall72]

Creating and writing a software for music and visuals etc. is IMO a one time event. Once it’s created then it’s done and might need a little update once in a while. Unlike Netflix, developer don’t have to keep adding content to the existing products. Therefore, not worth the sub if it’s only a handful of plugins.

It’s only Worth subscribing if the company owns a whole range set of tools and keep adding something new to the table.
Melda and PA are perfect example that worth the sub. I own melda complete bundle and I feel covered in every angle in terms of plugins and they keep adding more sound as promised.

Would I subscribe? No !

[bitman]

I am completly against subcription software of any kind.

[leeleema]

Aye, not a fan but maybe I'm old school. I think the OP should say something. Again, old school.

[Silaris]

I have zero interest in subscription-based plugins, or any other SaaS plan if avoidable.

[rj0]

A couple of years ago, I received a fairly significant bill out of the blue (through Paypal). Turns out I didn't notice a little, tiny, fine print checkbox in a corner during a software purchase check-out that was for a license subscription auto-renewal plan (at a yearly price that was roughly triple my initial purchase price). Let's just say that I immediately went through my Paypal account and stripped out all auto-renewals (there were a few), and decided then and there to avoid subscription plans (including clear up-front plans) with a bit of a vengeance. Does that count as a 'no'?

More seriously, my general feelings about subscriptions mirrors most of the above comments. Circumstances can change, and you find that you are still paying for things you aren't using very much any more. You already have unavoidable regular (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, annual, etc.) bills (electricity, rent, insurance, ...), so adding subscriptions just results in more costs and more bills to track. I understand that, for some, subscriptions make sense. For me, I've been very happy with minimizing/avoiding them and finding other options. So, still a strong no from my point of view.

[djanthonyw]

They’re great if you like throwing money away.

[mitchiemasha]

Hate it! If it's not bought I wont use it!

[melomood]

It's not entirely unimaginable that a company could use the subscription model to toy with customers. Withhold some features from an initial release, offer a subscription with a promise of updates that will include withheld features some time in the future

[excuse me please]

The great thing is: devs won't be bothered about former customers whose versions are no longer updated or working. Hahaha is it not great?

[lfm]

Subscription can be ok on 2 different scenarios
- if to do a limited job and then not so much - cheaper than buying a full product - a daw or plugin
- if it's something you use constantly, just about every day - and this is cheaper or give more options

Otherwise if using on and off during the year subscription is not so attractive. Rather stressful to pay for something you just use in between. Even if pausing a few weeks from using, or does not fit every project - a bad idea too and rather stressful paying that month anyway.

I don't subscribe to anything, possibly magazines, you get a new issue as long as subscribing. I just like the owner thingy.

Cyberlink started this PowerDirector365 or what they call it - which is subscription. But I don't edit video even every month, just a couple of times a year. So no go for me.

I have not even upgraded for two years now, having upgrade cost more than when I bought it.

[Ploki]

there must be a reason why big companies like Adobe switch to subscription-only This isnt done for the users, it's done for the shareholders.

I'm pretty sure Adobe's cloud was brought in to defeat cracked/pirated software, but I don't know how successful that's been.

It was. It seems to be working for them now, so, no real point in discussing.

Apple has done more for cracks with catalina for adobe than adobe did for themselves.

[Ploki]

It's not entirely unimaginable that a company could use the subscription model to toy with customers. Withhold some features from an initial release, offer a subscription with a promise of updates that will include withheld features some time in the future

isn't that what EA does in gaming industry

[Biome_Digital]

really, really against subscriptions for anything, but especially all the plugins and synths, what a nightmare that would be!