Anderton

RD9
This is not the first time CW marketing tactics have created chaos with incomplete or unclear announcements and I am beginning to think they like watching the customers squirm.  From what I can see, though, you are doing your best to combat this and have always been an advocate for the customers so please accept my thanks.

I know what you're saying, but note the way this was rolled out...a specific offer to a specific group of people, who were asked not to post it on the forum. It was probably naive to think it wouldn't get posted, but it was, and unleashed a flurry of speculation (most of which is spectacularly wrong, but...it sure gives a great idea of what people have as their prioritized "wish lists," as opposed to just feature requests!).

the way this was rolled out?? i'm with rd9: andrew started this thread, before any emails were sent - an invitation for speculation if ever there was one - so it's hardly surprising that once a splat user received the secret email that they would share it here to end the speculation, especially if the request for confidentiality wasn't obvious in the email - andrew's been playing this marketing game for years, surely he's not so naive to think it wouldn't go as it has? i also agree with the "chaos" suggestion. since x3 there have been several business/distribution models already:

regular major/minor releases

"membership"

monthly updates

via steam

early access (a la steam)

lifetime updates (a la image line)

this seems to imply that each model, in turn, didn't deliver whatever the business needed, hence the change to another model...however, i disagree that it was deliberately to see customers squirm, that's just an unfortunate side-effect/fwiw/imho/etc 

(also, formatting not working proper like)

the request for confidentiality was quite obvious
 
i haven't found it confusing or chaotic. it seemed quite strait forward and explained, not to mention a pretty awesome jesture and deal for the users.

musicjohnnie
Good morning 
One question. Is there a core difference between the now plat, pro, artist. Or just a difference of added features like a difference in car packages?

Complete version chart:
 
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Versions#start
 
Much of the core engine and tools are the same. Platinum and Professional have more mastering tools, ProChanel, and AudioSnap along with Melodyne. Platinum has a few more integrated tools including VocalSync and Drum Replacer. Also, Professional and Platinum have more instruments and effects.

pwalpwal

Anderton

RD9
This is not the first time CW marketing tactics have created chaos with incomplete or unclear announcements and I am beginning to think they like watching the customers squirm.  From what I can see, though, you are doing your best to combat this and have always been an advocate for the customers so please accept my thanks.

I know what you're saying, but note the way this was rolled out...a specific offer to a specific group of people, who were asked not to post it on the forum. It was probably naive to think it wouldn't get posted, but it was, and unleashed a flurry of speculation (most of which is spectacularly wrong, but...it sure gives a great idea of what people have as their prioritized "wish lists," as opposed to just feature requests!).

the way this was rolled out?? i'm with rd9: andrew started this thread, before any emails were sent - an invitation for speculation if ever there was one - so it's hardly surprising that once a splat user received the secret email that they would share it here to end the speculation, especially if the request for confidentiality wasn't obvious in the email - andrew's been playing this marketing game for years, surely he's not so naive to think it wouldn't go as it has? i also agree with the "chaos" suggestion. since x3 there have been several business/distribution models already:

regular major/minor releases

"membership"

monthly updates

via steam

early access (a la steam)

lifetime updates (a la image line)

this seems to imply that each model, in turn, didn't deliver whatever the business needed, hence the change to another model...however, i disagree that it was deliberately to see customers squirm, that's just an unfortunate side-effect/fwiw/imho/etc 

Well Steam is just another channel. I guess you can see it as change, but maybe change is good. Means we are listening and fine-tuning. You have to listen to customers. Anyone here going to argue lifetime isn't better than renewal? Given that the updates are the same for both group. 

subtlearts

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
...
Hopefully June 1st, we can fill in the rest of the story. All of which is very positive for current SONAR customers as well as those who are new to SONAR. 

Andrew, please rest assured that many of us have considerable faith in CW at this point, based on how things have been handled so far, for a long time and with very few exceptions... so while some of us may indulge in speculation - it's human nature, I'm sure you knew it would happen - and while there are certainly those who seem determined to find the dark conspiracy hidden in everything... a lot of us are just excited to see what's coming down the pipeline!

This is why I told you guys not to share the email or link :)

letyourlightshine

Jim Kalinowski
Free lifetime membership for everyone?  That would be big.
 
The code-posted-on-git-hub is an interesting thought.   If you think there are some bugs in SONAR now, wait until the masses get their hands on it.

so you want to keep sonar from other people?thats strange.
i don't get how more users creates more bugs

You are right, would have the reverse effect in a way. More people reporting feedback. 

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]

pwalpwal

Anderton

RD9
This is not the first time CW marketing tactics have created chaos with incomplete or unclear announcements and I am beginning to think they like watching the customers squirm.  From what I can see, though, you are doing your best to combat this and have always been an advocate for the customers so please accept my thanks.

I know what you're saying, but note the way this was rolled out...a specific offer to a specific group of people, who were asked not to post it on the forum. It was probably naive to think it wouldn't get posted, but it was, and unleashed a flurry of speculation (most of which is spectacularly wrong, but...it sure gives a great idea of what people have as their prioritized "wish lists," as opposed to just feature requests!).

the way this was rolled out?? i'm with rd9: andrew started this thread, before any emails were sent - an invitation for speculation if ever there was one - so it's hardly surprising that once a splat user received the secret email that they would share it here to end the speculation, especially if the request for confidentiality wasn't obvious in the email - andrew's been playing this marketing game for years, surely he's not so naive to think it wouldn't go as it has? i also agree with the "chaos" suggestion. since x3 there have been several business/distribution models already:

regular major/minor releases

"membership"

monthly updates

via steam

early access (a la steam)

lifetime updates (a la image line)

this seems to imply that each model, in turn, didn't deliver whatever the business needed, hence the change to another model...however, i disagree that it was deliberately to see customers squirm, that's just an unfortunate side-effect/fwiw/imho/etc 

Well Steam is just another channel. I guess you can see it as change, but maybe change is good. Means we are listening and fine-tuning. You have to listen to customers. Anyone here going to argue lifetime isn't better than renewal? Given that the updates are the same for both group. 

thanks for replying, and yes fair enough, steam is just another channel
good luck!

Anderton
My sense is that Cakewalk has been totally taken aback by the response. I think they intended a quiet sort of "thanks loyal users" by giving them an option before the main announcement on June 1, but like a wildfire, it spread rapidly.  

 
 
I'm surprised by the response as well.  I will say it, if no one else will.  Thank you Cakewalk for offering this up to loyal long time users.  My experience since starting with Cakewalk back in 2004; they have always strived to listen to the customers and work towards the best end product.  
 
I will be purchasing this Life Time offer the first week in June.  Not because I feel I need to wait and see what the "Big News" is; but because it will be pay day.   

The Grim
the request for confidentiality was quite obvious

fair enough - i didn't see the email myself, i got that impression from a couple of forum posts