Justify software pricing? Oct06 '04
Jason Fried recommends TextMate over BBEdit.
BBEdit is a powerful, feature–loaded text editor. But the power and features come at a cost. The software will set you back $179.00. That’s a lot of change for a text editor.
How can one justify that? I sure can’t.
I usually don’t pay over $25 for "add on" software, and by that I mean – software that is created to simplify certain tasks, manage something better – or a text editor.
Now... major manufactured software, such as products by Adobe, Macromedia, etc – those products I can understand the cost. And I will gladly pay, because I know the product is powerful, and superior to anything else on the market.
But for "little software," such as a text editor, I sometimes can’t justify the cost.
For example, Netflix Freak is a piece of software for Mac OS X, that helps manage your Netflix Queue more easily. I downloaded the software, and used it for the trial period, and I loved not having to log into the Netflix site each time I wanted to view/change my queue. But then they started asking for money.
They wanted only $15, but I couldn’t even justify that. Not when I can save the money, and still access my Netflix queue through a browser. Of course, over time, I may just purchase the software becuase it IS under $25, and it IS a great utility. I guess they just have to catch me on a good day.
My point is... if there is ANOTHER way to do something – and a FREE way, then why spend ANY money on software that simplifies it? Even if that OTHER way is more of a hassle – it’s still free.
I understand software creators have to make money. I completely agree. If I developed something spectacular, I would want monetary support, too.
I suppose some day I will be extremely "well off," and be able to justify any software, but that day is not today.
In any case, I may give TextMate a whirl. After all, it IS $140 less than BBEdit.
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