i see references to "loyal users" come up quite regularly, like today, and it's got me wondering: what's the difference between a "regular"/non-specific user (someone who uses the software) and a "loyal" user? what is it that makes a user "loyal"?

i'm not sure i understand, but i like it

i'm hoping someone who considers themselves a "loyal user" will chip in to explain the difference what makes you "loyal"?

I guess it is used with 2 a bit distinct meanings here:
1) someone who has used CW software for a while, so was not "changing the side" before. I have 2 observations for such "loyal" users: they normally say they are "loyal" right before they say they are leaving; the number of years they claim they are "loyal" is reverse proportional to the time they have (current) forum account...
 
2) someone who has continuously payed for CW software for a while. This category use the term to give some weight to following request(s).
 
In both cases, since the majority of this forum members is... let say not kids... periods under 3-5 years are not sufficient for the "loyalty"
 
Since CW account is bound to the forum account for quite some time already, there are less people which claim they are loyal "type 2". Because if someone has 1 month account it is too obvious person has not used the latest Sonar version more then a month

so 1 could be pirate but 2 is paid up?

pwalpwal
so 1 could be pirate but 2 is paid up?

1 is populated by many different categories, from real Twelve Tone users up to ...
2 is more measured by own perception of amount of money invested

I think the term "loyal user" is just an expression. Initially I would say it is someone that has used CW for a long time. I personally started with CW for DOS. I'm not sure that would make me loyal though as I was seduced once by "greener grass" across the street. However, I found it had just been painted!
 
Perhaps my return makes me a reformed user?
 
Love the Aeon Flux homage. :)
 

 
 
 

loy·al
ˈloi(ə)l/
adjective
adjective: loyal
giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution.

In this case Cakewalk, and specifically SONAR.

It's not that hard to understand really.  Only a given person can determine their own loyalty to anything, even though others will try to label them as loyal or disloyal -- which is the point where the problems usually begin I've noticed.

 I say a loyal user is a Cakewalk Software user.   
 
Enough said.