Lifetime Upgrades - Too good to be true?

if Craig thinks it is OK and legit, then I will most likely do it.  Just sayin'...

jimkleban
. if you come to think about it, what new stuff can be added to the core product

· MIDI sends so you can send one MIDI track's MIDI events to multiple soft synths or MIDI in enabled Plugins
· a routing map - a great addition to see where tracks are routed to and what effects are used where... would be useful now we have AUX tracks
 · Controller panes that are not a pain to use (..see what I did there)....  ie, Currently, when you view a track in PRV that has many controllers, all of the controller panes open up in tiny lanes, making them a pain to edit. This could change.
.  Horizontally scalable automation envelopes - currently, if you Horizontally scalable a clip (CTRL drag edge of clip), any automation envelopes that are also selected with that clip do not follow the Horizontally scaling - use have to redraw the envelopes.

This is just to name a few.

I am sure the bakers are working on things we have not thought of that will be included in the core updates....

Craig, I think you said the same thing I was poorly trying to say.  I was attempting to be positive but still wondering how this model is going to work? I have been using CAKEWALK at least as long as you have, and I have never wavered away from this platform.  
 
So, I was hoping someone was going to explain the CORE program language, it seemed quite legalize to me.  I am just curious on where this is going and not doubting the direction.  In my mind, new features may not be CORE program and we wind up paying for them if we want them.  And as long as the value is there, I don't see anything wrong with this.  But, hopefully you can see how this raises many questions for the "FOR LIFE" language.
 
Jim
 
 

The post by "exitthelemming" makes some really valid points (although I personally would put an appropriate figure at $100 pa for this software).  I am especially concerned about the Gibson VP's statement that "Growth doesn't come from existing SONAR customers upgrading, that's just maintenance".  This is probably true when there is a small or shrinking user base but if there are enough users and the ones leaving are being replaced by new users then upgrading should be able to pay for improvements.   It makes me worry about whether Sonar is foundering or Gibson is driving Sonar to get a higher return on investment.  Of course they would not articulate this and it may not be the case. 
 
In any case, it seems like Sonar will be going through some big changes over the next few months and I fear that the core functions, which I tend use most of the time, will not be improved, just maintained.

I just bought it, really its a no brainer, I reckon.
 I ain't likely to be changing my music software any time soon.
It works and loving the new updates and looking forward to the new themes etc.
 

I think this is a brilliant move...Core functionality is my primary desire.  I'd rather pick and choose the add ons.  I have toooo much stuff I don't use already!  Then again, before the offer is up we will have a much better idea of the full range of options and what they all mean... There is no need to panic or jump before fully reflecting on information once it's released.
 
The unknown is what's "core" and what's an add on...Themes is a perfect example, as I just love the new one... If I upgrade to Core forever, I'm happy to pay $10 for every new theme someone comes up with, if I like um... In the mobile world, this is an entire main part of some app's revenue streams!  5-10$ here and there?  A couple coffees for a new look?  
 
I'd expect console folders, arranging, and many of the suggestions on the forum fall into "core" programs.  A better arpeggiator module?  Something like Catanya or Kirnu Cream? I'd consider that an "add on" and for purchase.  
 
Just some rambling thoughts... In a slick way it addresses chronic complaints by some about getting things they don't need or want instead of daw stuff they can't get elsewhere.  It allows for choice... in the end, the ala carte might be more expensive if you buy EVERYTHING so the yearly subscription would make sense until you have built up a reservoir of tools you're happy with...
 
One thing ya have to say... the Bakers ain't sittin' on their laurels!  Based on my long experience and the way it folds into Gibson's product line, I don't feel the least bit worried or cynical.  If you DO, stick with the yearly model.
 
 
 
 

HI:)
 
I'm not sure what to do, I think we should know what's inside and outside Life Time Upgrade!
 
Bassman.
 

I'll wait for the announcement 1.6.2016. First I want to see what Cakewalk plans.
Then I can decide to 31.08.2016 for lifetime upgrade or not.
 
 

There are several online games that went from monthly/yearly models to free, and they pulled in so much cash that they vastly expanded their business. People like to pay for microtransactions. They want a more modular buying experience where they purchase what they want. If the carrot on the stick is the free/discounted program, people are more likely to spend more on in-house developed and third party add-ons, even if that means spending more than what they would normally spend on the original program update/expansion because it's viewed as an extra value, which is true. I never have to pay for the core program again, and I see this as a Great Value. I've been using Cakewalk products since '95. The past year has been a banner year, and the company only getting better after the Roland Debacle. I'm excited for the future.

jimkleban
So, I was hoping someone was going to explain the CORE program language, it seemed quite legalize to me.

 
They already have many times over in the large sticky thread at the top of this forum. And in the thread in the deals forum.
 
To paraphrase Noel, in the last 18 months had a lifetime plan been available those lifetimers would probably have not gotten Drum Replacer (it would have been a paid option for them) but they would have gotten EVERYTHING else that the yearly members got (whilst the yearly members would hav gotten Drum Replacer at no cost).
 
Drum Replacer is a separate installer. It is not a "CORE" feature. Simples.

Since we're doing fairly baseless speculating, here's my fairly baseless speculation:
 
I'd guess (only a guess) that Platinum isn't where the majority of revenue comes from anyway. I'd imagine that Platinum users are the smallest customer group, but also the most loyal customer group.
 
Now, if I've got that right, this move makes a lot of sense. Why not consolidate that loyalty further? It probably doesn't cost anything in the long run. You're talking about exactly the kind of users who will buy add ons and extensions and what have you.
 
 

John T
Since we're doing fairly baseless speculating, here's my fairly baseless speculation:
 
I'd guess (only a guess) that Platinum isn't where the majority of revenue comes from anyway. I'd imagine that Platinum users are the smallest customer group, but also the most loyal customer group.
 
Now, if I've got that right, this move makes a lot of sense. Why not consolidate that loyalty further? It probably doesn't cost anything in the long run. You're talking about exactly the kind of users who will buy add ons and extensions and what have you.

For self-avowed baseless speculation, that makes a bunch of sense to me. And I'm in... but waiting a bit for a moment of fiscal calm. Only so many musical purhases a month can be justified to significant others that have, in some cases, significantly other ideas about how money ought, or ought not, to be spent. But this, I think, is an easy one to defend...