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peter posted in the group Open Mic (Open Discussion)
The guys over at Production Expert made a post about the demise of software subscriptions. I think it’s a little hopeful. But if we keep the discussion focused the DAW-related software industry, it’s pretty clear that most of the Millennials and older buyers LOATHE subscriptions. I’m careful to make a clear distinction between what I’d like to see happen and what is likely to happen. I’d love to no developers have subscription-only DAWs, plugins, and sample libraries. However, I think we’re unlikely to see the subscription model go away. Some types of consumers like it, and of course, developers love having a reliable, steady stream of revenue coming in. I’m perfectly fine with companies offering a subscription option. I just am not interested in subscription-only software for music-related software. I think differently about purchases made for my business, where I have A LOT of subscriptions (pretty much, nearly all of the software my company uses — and we use A LOT — is tied to a subscription). Even this site has a lot of software subscriptions because it’s important to ensure the functionality and security of the site. But when it comes to music-making, I want software that I buy, that won’t stop working if I don’t pay the monthly fee.
What are your thoughts?
1 Comment
The only sub I have ATM is EW Composer Cloud that was $88 a couple months ago (1 year). I already own a few of theirs and it gives me chance to spend a year with everything I don’t have. I think the “fairest” option for DAW licensing (as a user) is the Bitwig / Studio One model. Pay for a year of updates and everything stays working as is after that term. If the new version additions don’t motivate you, skip a version or more, without being hit with a higher upgrade cost. I was a little surprised by Production Expert using the “You don’t own the software” argument against subs. I know what they are getting at, but I find it ironic that a music industry journal is playing loose with “licensing”.