July 16, 2005 06:16
My opinion:
I wouln't mind paying an additional $50 for an upgrade to MacENC but I have always maintained that software developers (and I used to work for one in the marketing department), especially small shops, rely heavily on loyal customers spreading the word about their product through word of mouth. Part of that is recognizing and acknowledging that the development of the current version would not have been possible without the support of the people who bought the prior versions and an upgrade path is a way of thanking and retaining loyal customers. While I agree that at $99 MacENC is a bargain, it is always a good idea to reward the people who have been with you in the past. Don't forget that they also contribute to the development by providing not only the financial and marketing support, but also the product feedback that shaped the product.
I wouln't mind paying an additional $50 for an upgrade to MacENC but I have always maintained that software developers (and I used to work for one in the marketing department), especially small shops, rely heavily on loyal customers spreading the word about their product through word of mouth. Part of that is recognizing and acknowledging that the development of the current version would not have been possible without the support of the people who bought the prior versions and an upgrade path is a way of thanking and retaining loyal customers. While I agree that at $99 MacENC is a bargain, it is always a good idea to reward the people who have been with you in the past. Don't forget that they also contribute to the development by providing not only the financial and marketing support, but also the product feedback that shaped the product.