iA Writer Pro Not Good?

[djtech42]

I was thinking about buying iA Writer Pro for the workflow features and minimal distraction, but it is flooded with bad reviews on the Mac App Store. Has anybody used it? What is so wrong with it?

Most people said the description was misleading and the workflow didn't work as intended.

 

[andrea81]

I have not bought the app, but one thing is sure: it is highly opinionated software.
Heck, if I am not wrong, it even decides a single font to be used in each mode.
As such, I believe that most of the reviews are premature, since you should wait and see if the app grows on you and the developer was right.
Also, there was some patent threat controversy that have probably harmed the app reputation. See for example Marco Arment's coverage:
http://www.marco.org/2013/12/26/information-architects-threaten-with-patents
http://www.marco.org/2014/01/03/ia-drops-patent-internet-silent

 

[jojoba]

I tried it and asked for a refund. I had thought there was an actual project work flow (meaning that you could switch back and forth between notes, outlines and drafts), but in reality the only thing that happens when you click on the work flow buttons is that the font changes. Not very useful for me, and I wasn't interested in their other main feature of highlighting words.

So, for my purposes it just seemed extremely over prized for what it offered, and it made more sense to me to stay with iaWriter and Byword. I already had both and really like them.

What I really recommend instead is Ulysses III. Expensive, but combined rich functionality with minimalist interface.