rodreb
Don't we as customers deserve, at least, a fully finished product before we are asked to spend more for the next version, which will more than likely have new unfinished issues?
Where I work, if we delivered unfinished products to our customers and then just sort of sent them a few finished pieces here and there then, asked them to buy a whole new product...... they wouldn't be our customers anymore.  

Software is not like other products.  In some ways, it's never finished.  If it was, the likes of Microsoft wouldn't need service packs.
 
Today at work, I was helping someone stung by a bug in Outlook 2010 that's been there since at least Outlook 2003.  People still upgrade.  Is it ideal? - No.  It it reality in the software industry? - Yes.

Of course $150 for an upgrade for a fantastic tool like SONAR is a steal. Recognize it and jump on it. Continue making music and serving clients with it. Those who complain will complain. I just accept that. But I will choose to use these tools to get great results faster, better, and have more fun doing it.

I think software spoils us into losing perspective. If one were to replace a mixing board in an analog studio with a newer version of the exact same board with minor differences for only 150 it would seem like a steal. I know its not the same but it does seem like the more we get the more we expect.

Would you expect to pay 50% more for the "newer version of the exact same board with minor differences" just one year later?

scook
Would you expect to pay 50% more for the "newer version of the exact same board with minor differences" just one year later?

"Minor differences" is a subjective term.  From what I've read of Noel's posts, I would say there are major differences.  The $150 being quoted is from a preliminary advert on Sweetwater's site.  The only reason we're using it is that it's the only number we've seen.  It could actually be way off base - we just don't know.
 
But back to your question; where are you going to find a mixing board for a $150 upgrade price?  I hear what you are saying about 50% more, but this is not apples for apples.  You need to compare an item of similar value to make your point.  I would venture to say that if someone could upgrade their mixing console to the latest version for $150, they'd jump at the chance.  Obviously paying 50% of a $3000.00 console is less appealing.

It has proven to be a sustainable maintenance fee for me for a while now. It's like a magazine subscription.
 
I'm grateful for the software and the community and I'm glad I can pay.
 
There are cheaper alternatives (Ubuntu Studio for one), so that makes it possible for student types to do what they love.
 
Us paycheck people and pros can afford it. And we do. All in all, it's not THAT expensive of a hobby... and what other hobby rocks like this?

scook
Would you expect to pay 50% more for the "newer version of the exact same board with minor differences" just one year later?

To put it into perspective, the upgrade to Sonar 7 Producer cost $229.  You are getting off $80 cheaper than some previous upgrades.

Gswitz,

I feel the same way. This pattern has been set for quite a few years now. I just start putting a few buck away every fall in anticipation of a new release.

Silicon Audio
I work full time in IT and you should see the cost of the software assurance contracts we pay.  Believe me when I tell you that $150 per year to keep your software up to date is CHEAP!  You guys have no idea how good we've got it.
Just sayin'

 
+1
 
$12.50 a month. bargain.  how much is my cable bill???
 

"Minor differences" was not my choice of words. Of course the hardware example is not an apples to apples comparison. Making references to IT maintenance contracts is not an apples to apples comparison either, is it? No one would expect a $500 piece of software have a 30% annual maintenance fee. Or have that maintenance fee increase 50% in one year. 
 
The price of the upgrade what ever it is will have to stand on it's own.