New ask Hacker News story: Ask HN: Is it ethical to sell subscriptions to software without a cloud?
Ask HN: Is it ethical to sell subscriptions to software without a cloud?
5 by internetter | 3 comments on Hacker News.
Hello! I'm working on a novel service that feels most likely to materialize as a cloud based SaaS application. I'd like to provide a cloud component as that does present advantages, however for privacy I'd like to provide a cheaper option that runs locally on a person's device (say, 1$ a month vs 3$). I'll say, renting local software, such as the adobe suite, is a very frustrating experience. I'd much, much, much prefer to own it outright. When presented with a subscription that doesn't have an obvious reason (such as streaming services), I tend to look for alternatives. But at the same time, the program is the sort of thing you'd see as a SaaS. The local option is certainly not the primary option, it's more like a "if this can't work for you, we might be able to offer this, which comes with plenty of it's own issues". Certainly, very much a secondary option. I've considered offering it for free, but if I wasn't thinking about a local option for privacy this thought wouldn't have crossed my mind. It really is just for people who would have paid for this in a world where there isn't all these privacy questions. A one time purchase feels difficult as the recurring cost funds reoccurring development. I wouldn't be scared of that for things without this SaaS feeling, small apps with a small scope. But for something that is primarily modeled as a subscription, it feels like at that point, I might as well just give it for free. If users pay for an app, want to convert to cloud, and then have paid for the app they would have gotten for "free" with the subscription, that's a hard sell. Anyway, I'm curious about your thoughts on the matter.
5 by internetter | 3 comments on Hacker News.
Hello! I'm working on a novel service that feels most likely to materialize as a cloud based SaaS application. I'd like to provide a cloud component as that does present advantages, however for privacy I'd like to provide a cheaper option that runs locally on a person's device (say, 1$ a month vs 3$). I'll say, renting local software, such as the adobe suite, is a very frustrating experience. I'd much, much, much prefer to own it outright. When presented with a subscription that doesn't have an obvious reason (such as streaming services), I tend to look for alternatives. But at the same time, the program is the sort of thing you'd see as a SaaS. The local option is certainly not the primary option, it's more like a "if this can't work for you, we might be able to offer this, which comes with plenty of it's own issues". Certainly, very much a secondary option. I've considered offering it for free, but if I wasn't thinking about a local option for privacy this thought wouldn't have crossed my mind. It really is just for people who would have paid for this in a world where there isn't all these privacy questions. A one time purchase feels difficult as the recurring cost funds reoccurring development. I wouldn't be scared of that for things without this SaaS feeling, small apps with a small scope. But for something that is primarily modeled as a subscription, it feels like at that point, I might as well just give it for free. If users pay for an app, want to convert to cloud, and then have paid for the app they would have gotten for "free" with the subscription, that's a hard sell. Anyway, I'm curious about your thoughts on the matter.
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