BMOG
 
This is an interesting perspective but who asked the company to go to this model?

 
The customers. One reason why this forum exists and why Cakewalk surveys customers regularly is to get feedback about how to tweak the business model. There was an often-expressed desire to have a payment option available that would spread the cost out over time, so Cakewalk implemented that, without eliminating existing payment options.
 
There was also a consistent theme of wanting more, and more frequent, bug fixes. The old model could not accommodate that because past a certain point, typically a few months after the "big release," all resources would be devoted to the next "big" version. By eliminating the "big" version, resources could be allocated more fluidly between bug fixes and new features over the course of the year.
 
Also, the bottom line is that the cost of paying once a year for a big update and getting a bunch of features is essentially the same as paying once for getting a bunch of updates over the next year.
 

As a customer I was not consulted on if this business model is best for customers and the company.

 
When people asked in the forums for a monthly payment plan option in addition to a lump sum payment, and faster, more frequent bug fixes, you had the opportunity to counter those opinions and say those were not a priority for you. Granted, based on what you're saying, it seems like you weren't surveyed so in that respect, you were not consulted. However, Cakewalk is working on implementing a feedback portal that will make it easier for customers to give their opinions.
 
 

Anderton

BMOG
 
 

As a customer I was not consulted on if this business model is best for customers and the company.

 
When people asked in the forums for a monthly payment plan option in addition to a lump sum payment, and faster, more frequent bug fixes, you had the opportunity to counter those opinions and say those were not a priority for you. Granted, based on what you're saying, it seems like you weren't surveyed so in that respect, you were not consulted. However, Cakewalk is working on implementing a feedback portal that will make it easier for customers to give their opinions.
 
 

CW did post in the sticky section on this and did ask the forum about it. So yes they did ask you. You didn't reply. 

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I support Cakewalk by buying their products.

 
And that's all they need to keep going 
 
However the reality is that the more people who buy their products, the healthier the company, the more goodies they can produce, the more support people they can hire, etc. etc. This doesn't mean people MUST support the company. But I'm sure there are some people who choose to pay for the upgrade whether they have a specific need or not because they believe the value received over the next year will justify the cost. Based on Cakewalk's track record, for most people that will be the case.
 
Of course not everything Cakewalk introduces will be relevant to everyone; for example if you never record vocals, you couldn't care less about VocalSync. If all your drum tracks are slammin,' you probably don't need Drum Replacer. But it's important to look at what's received over the course of a year, not just individual months. 
 
Nor is there a consensus among customers. Some complain about a "light" release for a given month while others would be fine with Cakewalk skipping a month, if the next month has something really interesting/useful. Some want only bug fixes, some want chord tracks. Whatever. It's not possible to satisfy all the people all the time. If Cakewalk can satisfy most of the people most of the time, then they're doing well IMO.

Anderton

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I support Cakewalk by buying their products.

 
And that's all they need to keep going 
 
However the reality is that the more people who buy their products, the healthier the company, the more goodies they can produce, the more support people they can hire, etc. etc. This doesn't mean people MUST support the company. But I'm sure there are some people who choose to pay for the upgrade whether they have a specific need or not because they believe the value received over the next year will justify the cost. Based on Cakewalk's track record, for most people that will be the case.
 
Of course not everything Cakewalk introduces will be relevant to everyone; for example if you never record vocals, you couldn't care less about VocalSync. If all your drum tracks are slammin,' you probably don't need Drum Replacer. But it's important to look at what's received over the course of a year, not just individual months. 
 
Nor is there a consensus among customers. Some complain about a "light" release for a given month while others would be fine with Cakewalk skipping a month, if the next month has something really interesting/useful. Some want only bug fixes, some want chord tracks. Whatever. It's not possible to satisfy all the people all the time. If Cakewalk can satisfy most of the people most of the time, then they're doing well IMO.

I totally agree with this. In fact I have bought every Sonar XL and Producer and Platinum version CW has ever brought out. One big reason is I like their work. I, in my small way, have supported them through the years. That is what I'm talking about. Often the new version is not anything I need or even want. That never stopped me from voting with my dollar and providing them with the income that dollar represents to them. 
 
We can find reasons to screw them or we can choose to support them. I choose to support them. 

John
We can find reasons to screw them or we can choose to support them. I choose to support them. 

I have lost the gist of this discussion.
Who is trying to screw Cakewalk ?
People who are trying to manipulate the fine print in the non-subscription subscription model ?
Myself I don't have the time for such nonsense so I pay one time upfront. I am fortunate enough to afford it.
But if there is some loophole in the rules that some may take advantage of then Cakewalk should close it just like we should close the loopholes in the tax code that gives companies unfair tax advantages.
This attitude of doing anything you can get away with is pervasive in business. I don't fault these people for taking advantage of rules that Cakewlak setup.
What do you want, unbridled allegiance ? I don't get the problem.
I have turned two people so far on to Sonar and this resulted in purchases of Sonar.
Do I have complaints about Sonar and Cakewalk...of course. That did not change my recommendation.
I do support Cakewalk by buying their products as I said and you quoted, but some cult like allegiance to a brand is a little over the top for me. If Cakewalk does something stupid , I will say it is so. If they do something good, I will say it is so.
 
There are two pieces of legislation being rammed through Congress (in secret) as I write this which will essentially raise trans-national corporations above the law. (TPP and TTIP...look it up)
So I am not really in the mood right now to pledge allegiance to any company for simply providing what they promise and what I pay for.
 
And John, why do you pay once if the monthly plan gets Cakewalk more revenue ?
 
 

BMOG

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John
I think we keep forgetting that CW needs to be supported. As users we think only about the best deal or the cheapest way to get what we want. However if we really appreciate what a company is doing and we wish for them to stay in business we also need to think about our responsibility too. Yes we should be wise in our purchase decisions but we also need to support the company that provides these tools.
 
Right now they have a business model that requires us to make a choice buy up front with the full amount or pay monthly for the 12 months. Figuring out ways to pay the least might be good for one's wallet but may not be best for ensuring a healthy company.      

It is up to Cakewalk to figure out what ensures a healthy company.
I support Cakewalk by buying their products. Are you really suggesting that I pay more to support the company because of some perceived philosophical resonance? What about an outright donation ?  A prominently placed tattoo to help advertising?
Not only do I buy their products I subsidize them through the tax system.

+1

+1
but...

John T
I spent more on lunch today than I spend on Sonar in a month, and it was a cheap lunch too. What do people want? A vial of fresh developers' blood every month, hand-delivered?

+1 -1
 
They are not asking for a lot of money, at least that is not a lot for some customers.
But while improving areas interesting for some category of users, there is no improvements in other parts. In fact for noobs like me (and for not noobs like some other in this forum) there was close to no changes, including changes which was due 5, 10 and more years ago.
 
CW is attracting to Sonar using own and third party plug-ins, before also using extra "content" or "club membership". Some features are somehow bound to Sonar, some are "general". But as I read, most complains and requests are about Sonar itself, its handling of MIDI, Tempo, automations, controls, editing, scores, etc. And while in this areas there are some "movements", they are far from fast.
 
I think some users have the right to opt out. They have waited for something with patience. That has not happened. Claiming "that is not fair, CW are nice people and we should support them" does not stand in this case.
 
Most of us are paid to deliver the service or product we was asked for, not just because we are "nice" or have done something awesome for someone else.
 

azslow3
I think some users have the right to opt out. They have waited for something with patience. That has not happened. Claiming "that is not fair, CW are nice people and we should support them" does not stand in this case.
 
Most of us are paid to deliver the service or product we was asked for, not just because we are "nice" or have done something awesome for someone else.

+10 db

Gibson Credit Downgrade
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John
We can find reasons to screw them or we can choose to support them. I choose to support them. 

I have lost the gist of this discussion.
Who is trying to screw Cakewalk ?
People who are trying to manipulate the fine print in the non-subscription subscription model ?
Myself I don't have the time for such nonsense so I pay one time upfront. I am fortunate enough to afford it.
But if there is some loophole in the rules that some may take advantage of then Cakewalk should close it just like we should close the loopholes in the tax code that gives companies unfair tax advantages.
This attitude of doing anything you can get away with is pervasive in business. I don't fault these people for taking advantage of rules that Cakewlak setup.
What do you want, unbridled allegiance ? I don't get the problem.
I have turned two people so far on to Sonar and this resulted in purchases of Sonar.
Do I have complaints about Sonar and Cakewalk...of course. That did not change my recommendation.
I do support Cakewalk by buying their products as I said and you quoted, but some cult like allegiance to a brand is a little over the top for me. If Cakewalk does something stupid , I will say it is so. If they do something good, I will say it is so.
 
There are two pieces of legislation being rammed through Congress (in secret) as I write this which will essentially raise trans-national corporations above the law. (TPP and TTIP...look it up)
So I am not really in the mood right now to pledge allegiance to any company for simply providing what they promise and what I pay for.
 
And John, why do you pay once if the monthly plan gets Cakewalk more revenue ?
 
 

I pay what CW requires me to pay. I don't cheat them nor do I cheat myself.  Further not everything I said applies to you or anyone really. It was me venting to some degree. I do know of people that do take advantage. Lets just leave it at that. 

John
I pay what CW requires me to pay. I don't cheat them nor do I cheat myself.  Further not everything I said applies to you or anyone really. It was me venting to some degree. I do know of people that do take advantage. Lets just leave it at that. 

 
John, there are always people who will take advantage. Unfortunately, many of them are the movers and shakers of the economy (not intended for Cakewalk).
I wish that the people trying to get over on someone for $100 was our only problem.