Comments on: 13 Reasons why software is not free: My somewhat (but not really) sympathetic long-winded response

By: amack

amack — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:04:49 +0000

To app users: Stop whining about the cost of software, especially when it’s not free. I am astounded at the free high-quality apps out there but I certainly don’t expect anything to be free. As James says, the market will determine the ultimate value. And we consumers are a big part of that equation. Spend wisely and don’t expect something for nothing.

To developers: Write a frigging manual, or do SOMETHING to let us understand and get the most from your product (this is not unrelated to perceived value, by the way). Do NOT expect users to magically grasp the concept of what your app is supposed to do or how it works. If you can’t explain it, hire somebody who can.

By: James

James — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:25:44 +0000

The thing about free apps is that users tend to EXPECT an app to do more than what it was developed for. And generally speaking, those vocal users tend to want so much more out of the app that it warrants the developer charging for it – which is not what the developer wanted, and not what the user is willing to accept.

HOWEVER, I also don’t believe that giving away an app for free does not give the developer a get out of jail free card when it comes to legit complaints about the functionality of the features the app does have.

Catch-22 I guess.

By: Fyredept

Fyredept — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:16:31 +0000

After reading your article this thought comes to mind. If app users did their research on an app before the considered it, then they would know if that app was for them. But it is human nature to be lazy, just quickly purchase, then complain it is not what they need or to hard to use. Cost is never an issue to me if the app does what I need it to do and more. Maybe as well if the end user looked at it as the developer does, ie… Will it make me money? I use Adobes creative suites on an almost daily basis. Even have the master collection. Price was a real issue on this one but after proper research, I decided to buy. Now there is no way I will ever get full use of or knowledge of all its components but what I do use has paid for itself from the first project I did. If it is a good app then it is always worth its money. I also found several apps over the years that were free as well, did very basic bits of work for me that I would have happily paid for. In the end it all balances out. If it makes money for me, then the purchase price does not matter. But if I am using it for personal use and still want to complain especially if it is free, then go away. And always do your research first.

By: James

James — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 01:10:30 +0000

I think the problem arises between developer and user in deciding what is cheap and what is expensive.

By: Pinball

Pinball — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:30:17 +0000

What I have never understood about software pricing is this.

Assuming the software is good:

– Software cost “x” dollars to develop, regardless of how many people buy it.
– If software is sold for a high price, sales are low, piracy high. Means lots of people using software, but developer not making much money
– If software is sold for a low price, sales are high, piracy low. Means lots of people using software, and developer making lots of money.