stevec
Yeah, that's the way I understood it too, Beeps - that John simply considered it the best answer, in his opinion.   As far as the "Best Answer" tag, well, that is a different story..
 

IMO, that's not another story. He considered it Best Answer and he used his "extended" powers to mark it Best Answer.
 
Again, only the OP or mods/admin/hosts have the Best Answer link in a thread.
 
I was host for a short while and therefore I know this to be true.

Anderton

kennywtelejazz

John

ArcRex
In my opinion, Platinum was a great choice for 2015. Though many of the new features I have not used, I think that they added a lot of value to the DAW. I am sure I will pay sometime in 2016, but I will wait for a gotta have moment (which comes too frequently). I am sure many will do the same.  Cakewalk has to expect this and is bound to have plans to get us on board. I think Cakewalk's subscription is effectively Cakewalk gambling on theirselves. So far, I think they are winning, but I think the stakes keep getting higher. I hope they keep winning.

This is the best answer I have read on this thread. 

 
You know what John , I honestly wish you did not determine that this was the best answer to a thread you yourself did not start .  As a courtesy  to the OP who started this thread in the first place , should that not be the OP's right and decision ?  
 
Kenny

The OP already gave his opinions on the thread, which is something I wish OP's would do more often. His comment "What I have learned most from this thread is that we all have a unique purpose for this DAW which drives what decision we make" may seem obvious, but it's not. I believe this is particularly true with SONAR, which can be used for so many different applications.
 
As to judging other posts, I think that's fair game and adds to a thread's value. I don't see anything wrong with someone giving a "thumbs up" to someone else's post...especially when you have a thread this long, and people might be skimming it looking for "nuggets."
 
It's all good.

 
It is my honest opinion that ArcRex's post is very well written , and it conveyed a very positive uplifting message . I'm cool with all of that . +1 , as you have stated " It's all good " 
For the record , I don't have my cannons loaded , I'm not out looking to hunt bear , be an online bad a$$ or derail anything here in this thread .
I came here to this thread with one objective in mind and now it seems I have two . 
 
In brief , exactly one year ago when Cakewalk was in the process of changing everything about the way they do business and introducing the latest version of SONAR , I was in the process of moving . It took me a considerable amount of time to land . (it took 8 months to get home internet , this also plays into why I haven't upgraded …)
 
 
My primary objective and reason for participating in this thread in the first place has been to get an overall feel for how  SONAR users feel about the changes that have taken place with SONAR and the current business model of the past year . As a SONAR user myself , I came here to mine "nuggets "  
Having the money to upgrade hasn't been the issue for me . I already have chosen that I will upgrade , it is the when to do that upgrade that has me concerned …..
sorry to go OT here , 
The main issue over here at this point is , does it make the best sense for me to upgrade and install my upgrade on my Win 8 machine that needs some house cleaning as it is ? or do I just go Win 10 on that machine and do my upgrade and start with a fresh start ? To help acquaint myself w Win 10 I picked up a Win 10 machine that would not be able to run SONAR so I can play it safe and get an idea of what to do …
  

back to topic 
I feel there is a lot of valuable information in this thread . I enjoyed your contributions , the OP's , jbows and a number of other peoples contributions  . All these collective nuggets of experience and wisdom that have been stated here I happen to value as a SONAR user . I'm just trying to find my own way and make the right choices .
 
in other topic related news  ,
I do know that a lot of people here hold you in very high esteem  for the record I also have a tremendous amount of respect for you .  
As it is , we all know that you have done so much valuable work over the course of your prolific music career .
Many of us here benefit greatly from your desire to impart your love and knowledge of music and music production. IMHO I feel you are a giver and you give so freely .
FWIW I also hold the ideal of leaving a place , a person or a thing much better off than when I have found it ..
I'm perfectly OK running the smokestack a little bit over here , there is no doubt in my mind that you have certainly earned it 
 
I'm gonna ask you a question , and before I do , I want you to know that I am not trying to be deceitful , manipulative ….or angling like a troll …just asking .
I know that you have complemented a well written post here and there and encouraged people in their journey .
What do you think would happen within this community if you started handing out "best posts " in threads here on the forum ?  
Because of who you are , do you think that it would it bring up some sort of competition ? 
 
Craig , I hope I'm not coming off from a place that offends or I shouldn't be coming from ,
my apologies in advance if I have .
 
Kenny 
 

Anderton
Then hobbyists who are watching budgets super-carefully shouldn't buy more costly software that's designed for hardcore professional users who make a living off of it. They can buy SONAR Artist, or Music Creator, get a bundled version of an LE program with an interface, or whatever rather than complain about paying the price for pro-level equipment. Similarly, this is why Fender makes Squier guitars, Gibson makes Epiphone, and Porsche makes Volkswagens.
 

As one can easily record a huge hit using some cheap Epi, Squire or similar, in the same way a person can create a masterpiece just using a budget DAW. Theoretically speaking, that is. )
Not sure about cars, but I know quite a few people, who own high grade guitars by Gibson, Fender and other respected brands. Some of them don't even own a car, some of them can't play guitar (at least professionally). Yet they keep on buying. There's an old joke "How many guitars does a guitarist need? - One more!". So when somebody buys a Gibson or a Fender he doesn't necessarily buy an instrument or a tool, but rather he buys a legend.
When we compare modern DAWs to legendary equipment of the past, I believe we should not devalue old stuff, although it was a lot bulkier, expensive and much less flexible compared to a DAW.
I believe, more emphasis should be put on marketing entry-level versions of Sonar. These gems are not poorman's SPlat. One can do almost anything using just Music Creator. When I've learned how great MC7 and Cakewalk support is I got an Artist version. But soon found out, that I need some features, that are Platinum only. Yes, I paid for 3 versions of Sonar while I need only 1, but that's how I discovered the value of Sonar.
My point is, value is more important than a price tag.
PS I'm not trying to argue with you, just sharing my thoughts.

kennywtelejazz
I wish I could take it back.

I don't! It's very cool to see someone who is not afraid to say what they think, but even more tellingly, is not afraid to change their opinion in the face of additional data or reflection. It sets a good example of how to interact, clarify intent, and solve problems. My opinion of you went up another notch after the way you handled this. Ditto John. Neither would have happened if you'd held your tongue.

bapu
What's a 5 page thread if there is no arguing?

A one-page thread.
 
I'll be re-subbing because I like my SONAR minty fresh. 

BMOG
Great point about paying for cable

Who has time to watch tv these days ?  I cancelled my cable tv years ago since I only used it to watch the SuperBowl and get info on the latest natural or man-made disaster.  I do have cable for the Internet, but without that I couldn't even run Sonar.