Subscriptions for abandoned software (Forecast Bar)

[srbNYC]

If an app seems abandoned (no updates, no responses to support, no activity or responses on social media accounts) , are we still supposed to pay subscription charges?

I've loved Forecast Bar for years, on every platform, but it seems to be abandoned. I'm afraid if I stop paying my subscription, the paid features will go away—but it feels crazy to continue to pay for software that is no longer supported, maintained, or updated.

What do you all think?

 

[russell_314]

If an app seems abandoned (no updates, no responses to support, no activity or responses on social media accounts) , are we still supposed to pay subscription charges?

I've loved Forecast Bar for years, on every platform, but it seems to be abandoned. I'm afraid if I stop paying my subscription, the paid features will go away—but it feels crazy to continue to pay for software that is no longer supported, maintained, or updated.

What do you all think?

Unfortunately, this happens. An app developer will make an app put it in the App Store then abandon it. It’s basically a revenue stream without any extra effort. I know Apple was trying to remove abandoned apps from the iPhone App Store but I don’t think Apple even knows the Mac App Store exists 😂

I’d say there’s a good chance if you stop paying the subscription the pain features will go away. You’re paying for those features.

The question is does the app still do what you want it to do? Is that function worth the subscription? Even though the developer hasn’t added to the app if it still works, then it still works. Perhaps you can get these features on a different app without paying a subscription?

 

[srbNYC]

thanks, and understood. I think I just feel that the subscription now should convert to a flat cost. A subscription, to me, implies ongoing support.

 

[matsan]

Just want to say I feel your pain. We've been going through multiple car gas/service-tracking applications during the years that have been abandoned and then an iOS update kills them entirely.

 

[russell_314]

thanks, and understood. I think I just feel that the subscription now should convert to a flat cost. A subscription, to me, implies ongoing support.

This is why I generally do not pay for subscriptions on apps that do not serve paid content or requires some sort of continuous backend tasks. I’ll pay a subscription for Music, TV, AI (requires computing), even weather because weather data costs money. I won’t pay a subscription to an app that controls my fan speed for example.

I also think there could be exceptions for an app that is used in business. If some developer makes accounting software and it helps me make money then I’m more willing to pay a subscription.

I got it all developers want a paycheck but make some new apps. I’m not going to pay you for life for one app that does a minor task.

 

[!!!]

thanks, and understood. I think I just feel that the subscription now should convert to a flat cost. A subscription, to me, implies ongoing support.

A weather app is one of the few examples of an app which does have an ongoing cost, the weather data they get isn't free, and they have to host it on their servers.

If you're still getting the weather data, it's not abandoned.

 

[Fishrrman]

Stop paying and see what happens after that...

 

[maflynn]

The justification for a subscription based model, is that we consumers will get constant updates, improvements and bug fixes. If there is no updates, then the developer has not kept up his end of the bargain. Stop paying.

Of course this will mean not being able to use the application and if the app in question still brings value to you, then you may not have a choice to keep paying - at least until you find an alternative.

 

[chrono1081]

It depends on the app. If the app is accessing some kind of API (in this case it appears like it is) the developer gets charged for every API call so you're essentially paying for that data through the application. API costs are one reason so many apps are subscription based these days, if you charge $2 for an app, but your user base doesn't constantly expand and you're current users keep using that data you'll sink into debt very quickly.

It's really down to you, if you feel like it's not worth the subscription cost because you're not getting improvements I'd say cancel the subscription. If enough people cancel perhaps the dev will take notice and add some improvements.

 

[jlc1978]

The justification for a subscription based model, is that we consumers will get constant updates, improvements and bug fixes. If there is no updates, then the developer has not kept up his end of the bargain. Stop paying

I can agree with bug fixes, but I don't think a subscription implies improvements as long as the app does its original purpose. Updates for a new OS so the app keeps working simply ensures continued subscription. They're nice, but not part of the bargain, IMHO.

Of course this will mean not being able to use the application and if the app in question still brings value to you, then you may not have a choice to keep paying

Sure. A long as the value you get is worth the cost then keep subscribing since it does something you value.

- at least until you find an alternative.

Another option, of course.

 

[maflynn]

but I don't think a subscription implies improvements as long as the app does its original purpose

That was the one of the exact reasons why Adobe, and Microsoft both tried to justify the subscription model

One link describing it

On the plus side, having a subscription model means that the software is up-to-date, and you automatically benefit from new features.

Wired reports the reasons why Office went with the subscription model

Another bonus to Office 365: Microsoft says you'll get new features and updates pushed to the Office apps, as long as you have a subscription.

Perpetual vs. Subscription Licenses: Long-Term Effects on Revenue

3. Reduce friction associated with software updates

Users don't have to purchase new software whenever you make a major update. Instead, you make updates and add new features that your users instantly receive providing ongoing value to your customers. Subscription models enable a better user experience and customers stick around longer.