Bill_de Loc: US

The subscription plan is a success because low monthly payments appeal to people. It seems that Adobe has gained a lot more customers than they lost. Although a software company needs its engineers, sometimes it's the often looked down upon bean counters that hit the home run.

The next gimmick will be a very expensive lifetime license. It will be a boost to cash flow giving them the funds to buy up a competitor or two.

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wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

To paraphrase wisdom from a different field - capitalism is the worst economic system, except for all the others.

Moaning about "unconscionable" profits or "greed" is to willfully ignore the visible results of the economic system which has made more people better off than any in history. While it looks messy, it works for vast swaths of people, and none of the "collective" or "controlled" alternatives do any better (except for the people who run 'em, who usually do very well indeed.) And it's always evolving, as individual businesses exercise their freedom to try different ways of doing things. Over time, everybody learns what works and what doesn't - at the moment. Until somebody tries something new that turns out to work better.

As others have noted, today we seem to be in the subscription phase of software, and we'll just have to wait and see whether that turns out to be the best business model for one or more segments of the business. Until then we should all be deeply grateful that we have the choices we do. And pick what works best for us in our circumstances.

(And I'm just wondering - how many of those choices were concieved, developed and grown in truly socialist economies? You know, where governments can effectively control who does what and for how much?)

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Just copied this 5 seconds ago. I believe what you are referring to is On1 Plus. It is a subscription to advanced help, blogs, and other professional types. It has nothing to do with the software itself. Please note in the paragraph below the title: "the day you purchase On1, you own it forever. No subscription..."

Clapperboard

Whatever happened to good ole 'Capitalism' where success in one's endeavors was to be praised/rewarded instead of denigrated? Why is today's success equated with greed/selfishness? I know, take it to the attic, but couldn't help myself....


mrjcall So sad you regard it fair game for rich people to fiddle and deny payments intended to help the whole community as 'SUCCESS'.
My critisism is not of rich people. It is the sheer greed shown by the people that stop at virtually nothing to keep hold what is actually required to be payed. In fact keeping other peoples property. I regard that as stealing. Obviously you appear to consider that as praise worthy.
Enjoy.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Aw Jeeze, can't you buffoons take this kind of crap to the 'attic' where it belongs? Come on man, this is the Main Photography Discussion forum, not the garbage heap!

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

AMEN!!! If people only knew what it is like to create and maintain a software product, they might understand. these companies are not stupid or simply trying to make more money and do less. Did that for 30 years. They do want to get new function and fixes when needed in a timely way so you stay with the product as it moves forward. BTW, Software engineers usually have a masters or more degree and don't work for minimum wage. So you want to pay a fair wage for your emplyees and put out good product. As you noted, subscription works best for both sides.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

A discussion on editing software distribution structures, options available to consumers, and potential pitfalls relating to those options is hardly "crap". I think the Main Photography Discussion forum is the ideal place for this topic.

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Why in the hell would you turn a photo sharing site into an inane political rant? Please spare us from your off topic BS by getting a freaking life.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

No, subscriptions do not benefit yourowndamself.... They only really benefit the company. They get a lot more money. Subscriptions are a convenience to us that some are willing to pay for, and some are not. Those that pay know it costs them more in the long run, but like the convenience of being "up to date all the time time". As with the stand alone versions, it is a matter of preference.

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

Please take this diatribe where it belongs - the 3-holer out back.

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

We will assimilate you!! ;-)

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Profits are in the Billions not millions Jerry.

Here is what Adobe made last year "fiscal 2016" ---- $5.9 BILLION this is from their web site --- link posted below.

"Headquartered in San Jose, California, Adobe is one of the largest software companies in the world, with revenue of approximately US$5.9 billion in fiscal 2016. Our stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol ADBE."

http://www.adobe.com/investor-relations.html

bikertut Loc: Kingsville, MO

So, with those shameful profits, shareholders (like us retired folks) can actually have some income and return on our investment. It never ceases to amaze me how no one wants big business to make a profit until you talk about the company they are invested in. Perhaps if you want to purchase the subscription you might also want to buy stock in Adobe, so you can get some of your money back.

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

In the future, I wonder how much my subscription to the H.H. will be?