Quote:
Originally Posted by h0ughy
so let me get this straight - the 24 dollars pays for only 12 months worth of use of the software - then we have to fork out more money to keep the licence going?
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David,
In an attempt to not mislead anyone I’ll explain where I’m coming from and how I got to this pricing formula.
So here it is, right out of the gate:
There is no right or wrong answers here; I had to come with what I though was a fair price for a fair product.
1. The initial purchase price it set at $24. This entitle you to one single user license for BackyardEOS, one year support, and one year free software upgrades with bug fixes and new features as they become available.
2. You need to renew your license every 12 months for $8 annually if your whish to continue using BackyardEOS. The application will not run past the expiration date.
What does this means for you?
Well, if you buy BackyardEOS for $24 and then use it for 10 years you would end up paying $24 + $72 (9 years x $8) = $96. I don’t think $96 over 10 years is a whole lot of money considering we are spending literally thousands of dollars on OTAs, mount, cameras, etc…
I have poured my heart and soul into this project. For 10 months now I have spend on average 40+ hours a week on creating BackyardEOS and 60+ hours a week since September. This is in addition to my demanding day job. My wife and kids barely remember who I am. I’m only individual behind this project; developing, supporting, documenting, etc…
I would like to think that my time is worth roughly $100 over 10 years to buyers; you will receive complete support of a product in which you’ll get countless hours of good imaging. I don’t believe I’m asking too much considering the level of dedication it takes on my end to create and release such a nice and particle little piece of software.
Did I consider other pricing formula?
You bet I did! Feel free to read this post on my Yahoo support group. (
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/B...OS/message/145).
The other formula I was contemplating was to sell the application for $49 with free support (minor releases and bug fixes only). Major releases (one roughly every 1 to 2 years) with new functionality would have been made available to existing license holders for a nominal fee.
The advantage with this formula is that I can release major new functionality any time without having to bundle it into a major release and wait until there is sufficient new stuff to launch. With this formula I can release them as soon as they become available and as a license holder you get to enjoy new functionally right then and now.
In the end though, the out-of-pocket expense would be roughly the same over 10 years. Again, there is no right or wrong answers here; I simply had to come with what I though was a fair price for a fair product.
I hope no one gets hooked up on the $8 annual fee, and I certainly do not mean any disrespect if your do; it’s your money. But the product is worth it in my humble opinion and so is my time and dedication.
Much appreciated,
Guylain