Ulysses Adding Prompt to Switch to Subscription at Every Launch

[adamjackson]

I paid $44.99 for Ulysses a few months ago via Mac App Store. The application auto-updated recently and now I see this when I open the application:

The prompt has a count down timer for 10 seconds before I can click Close or Remind me Later. My documents are locked until I click one of the two options.

As soon as I relaunch the application, despite clicking Remind me Later, the prompt comes back up.

This is the behavior of a Shareware app, not a $45 paid version.

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Here's another issue that warrants a new thread. In Ulysses' Blog Post about the move to subscription pricing:

The previous, single-purchase versions of Ulysses have both been removed from sale. They remain fully functional, of course, and we have even updated both versions for High Sierra and iOS 11 respectively. So, if you decide to keep using the “old” Ulysses, you should not encounter any problem. New features, however, will only be added to the subscription version in the future.​

Now the prompt within the paid app says,

"If you have just recently purchased Ulysses, we are offering free use periods of up to 18 months to compensate for your investment"​

So in 18 months, this app will no longer launch. That's a ****** way to say eff off to your paid customers. I accept the fact that future OS updates will eventually cause the app not to launch but to lock your users out is extremely ******.

 

[David G.]

I understand from the message that all previous paid users will receive 50% off for the updated subscription version. Also, if you've purchased the software recently, you'll receive 18 months of the new version's subscription for free. Also, importantly, your paid version will work for as long as you want it to.

All that being said, Ulysses should be blackballed for al the other actual negative things you've described.

Edit to add: Is it a thing to file a complaint with Apple's App Store for major software issues? I'm not sure if this ever happens, but perhaps Apple could remove the new update with the mandatory 10 second decision box and replace it with the older version, and perhaps force Ulysses into behaving with even an ounce of integrity.
Also, time machine backup? Delete new version and restore from old copy?

 

[MechaSpanky]

Request a refund from Apple and complain to the developer. That is a horrible way to treat paying customers.

 

[adamjackson]

Request a refund from Apple and complain to the developer. That is a horrible way to treat paying customers.

I pulled up my purchase ID with apple and sent them a letter. This was their response:

Thanks for choosing Apple.
Hi Adam,

Thanks for contacting us.

I’ll be happy to provide you with the necessary information.

I would really want to answer your query directly about what you experienced but please know that the iTunes Store handles the billing aspect for in-app purchases. In-app accessibility and functionality are handled by the app developer. Please contact the app’s developer directly from the following web link:

https://www.ulyssesapp.com/help/

Note: Although we mentioned third-party products in this email, Apple doesn’t recommend or endorse these products.

I hope you have a great rest of your day. If you have more questions, just reply to this email. I’m here to help.

Thanks,

Ruchi
iTunes Store Customer Support
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww​

 

[imanidiot]

As a purchaser and former user of Ulysses (an earlier version) let me say that the SOULMEN can go **** right off. I'll never touch their product again. There are better, less predatory options out there.

 

[MechaSpanky]

adamjackson,

Thanks for sharing. Later after the issue is resolved, could you post whether or not you were able to get a refund? I sure hope that you are able to get it.

Best of luck,
Mecha

 

[jerwin]

The prompt has a count down timer for 10 seconds before I can click Close or Remind me Later. My documents are locked until I click one of the two options.

As soon as I relaunch the application, despite clicking Remind me Later, the prompt comes back up.

what happens when you just click "close"?

 

[adamjackson]

what happens when you just click "close"?

Close and Remind me later each close the prompt. Each time I relaunch the application, it re-appears.

 

[Anna Leif]

Hello,

This happened to me. If you have a Time Machine copy, delete the app and associated files in library and restore from the time machine back up. When it's restored, don't click the 'what's new' tab under Help. This worked for me and I no longer get the prompt.

Anna

 

[rhett7660]

Yes please keep us update on this. I am curious to what the Developer will say and/or do when you ask for a refund and the reason behind the refund request.

 

[jerwin]

Close and Remind me later each close the prompt. Each time I relaunch the application, it re-appears.

If I was the developer, "Close" would disable the nag. Alas.