Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:30 pm
A lively discussion has ensued on the Organ Forum concerning users who are unhappy with HW's business model.
https://organforum.com/forums/forum/org ... ne-too-far
Here is my contribution to the discussion which someone suggested Martin might like to read. I have nothing but admiration for the achievement that is HW and wish it a long and successful future.
When I buy a sample set, such as "Jeux d'Orgues," for my iPad, it comes bundled with the program to run that specific organ. From the user perspective it appears that the program is free. Since then, I have bought four more sample sets, knowing full well that each time some of the money goes towards the development of the software. HW might benefit from a similar model.
Imagine for a moment that each sample set one purchases comes bundled with a "free" version of HW specifically configured and optimized to run that, and only that, sample set. Then each time a sample set is sold, let's say 25% goes to HW for further development and support. Yes, this will make sample sets more expensive but it is only fair that sample set makers contribute to the continuation of HW. After all, without HW there would be no market for their sample sets. In effect, the license for using HW would go to the sample set creators and not to the final user. This would make HW licenses much simpler to monitor and administer, and the user is relieved of the headaches that go along with licensing. Also the user would always get the latest version of HW with each sample set purchased.
With the existing model, I only paid for HW once. I'm running version 4 and will continue to use it until I see a good reason to upgrade. In the meantime, I have acquired more than a dozen sample sets. If 25% of the cost of each sample set had gone to HW, I would probably have paid for it a couple of times over.
Also, while most users purchase HW only once, possibly with the occasional upgrade, sample sets are addictive and buying them under this model would generate a continuous flow of income for HW. This model might also entice more new users to try HW because now they can start with a small, relatively inexpensive sample set without having to worry about investing immediately in the latest version of HW. With this "stealth mode" HW would probably make more money in the long run and not aggravate the user with continual updates and talk of subscriptions.
https://organforum.com/forums/forum/org ... ne-too-far
Here is my contribution to the discussion which someone suggested Martin might like to read. I have nothing but admiration for the achievement that is HW and wish it a long and successful future.
When I buy a sample set, such as "Jeux d'Orgues," for my iPad, it comes bundled with the program to run that specific organ. From the user perspective it appears that the program is free. Since then, I have bought four more sample sets, knowing full well that each time some of the money goes towards the development of the software. HW might benefit from a similar model.
Imagine for a moment that each sample set one purchases comes bundled with a "free" version of HW specifically configured and optimized to run that, and only that, sample set. Then each time a sample set is sold, let's say 25% goes to HW for further development and support. Yes, this will make sample sets more expensive but it is only fair that sample set makers contribute to the continuation of HW. After all, without HW there would be no market for their sample sets. In effect, the license for using HW would go to the sample set creators and not to the final user. This would make HW licenses much simpler to monitor and administer, and the user is relieved of the headaches that go along with licensing. Also the user would always get the latest version of HW with each sample set purchased.
With the existing model, I only paid for HW once. I'm running version 4 and will continue to use it until I see a good reason to upgrade. In the meantime, I have acquired more than a dozen sample sets. If 25% of the cost of each sample set had gone to HW, I would probably have paid for it a couple of times over.
Also, while most users purchase HW only once, possibly with the occasional upgrade, sample sets are addictive and buying them under this model would generate a continuous flow of income for HW. This model might also entice more new users to try HW because now they can start with a small, relatively inexpensive sample set without having to worry about investing immediately in the latest version of HW. With this "stealth mode" HW would probably make more money in the long run and not aggravate the user with continual updates and talk of subscriptions.
