However, we now expect the product to magically evolve over time, via downloadable updates, without a need to constantly pay for new versions.
No. No I don’t. I expect only that the app keeps working. Fix bugs, address issues with OS compatibility, that’s it. I saw the features when I bought it and it’s totally fair to keep that version at that. It’s a writing suite, not a video editing system or sound editor or graphics suite. It processes, organizes, syncs and exports text — all existing features it already does quite nicely, thanks. If you want to spend your time adding Touch Bar support or more icons, that’s on you. Lock it down for all I care.
I use OmniFocus every day — an app I paid a lot for on Mac and iOS. It hasn’t had any substantial new features in maybe a year or more. But know what? It works beautifully and has a solid, well thought-out set of features and stellar support. When Omni Group sees fit to do a big revision, I’d happily pay $100+ for the Mac and iOS versions. You see, I trust them because they’ve kept me working daily for years.
By moving to a subscription model without any substantial updates to Ulysses, you’re basically asking your users to pay in advance for proposed improvements. Why not just use Kickstarter while you’re at it?
Sorry your revenue stream isn’t as steady as you like, but other non-subscription developers seem to have made it all work one way or another. The reason app subscriptions are “a bit unpopular” is because nobody likes renting something forever they could previously have bought outright. And every developer likes to make this “it’s a cup of coffee a month” comparison. Well, I’m already hemorrhaging quite a few expensive cups of coffee a month on apps, services and platforms these days, and I’m not looking to lock all my writing into something that I have to pay for forever.
I’ve got a lot of time invested in Ulysses at this point, so I have to keep using it, but I’ll be keeping an eye out for alternatives that I can buy (not rent) and will migrate then. Sorry to see you guys go.
