*SIGH*
Yet again, I find myself caught in between a rock and a hard place. I've got this software that does things for me - good things - but it stopped working - and wasted 6 hours of my time.
I've got lots of software that I haven't paid a cent for (free software) and others that I paid a lot for. And it's all over the board. I've got free stuff that works solid as a rock. I've got stuff that goes for $500.00 a pop and it's shaky, and other software that's a lot more. I also have other software that costs about $100 and then another $100 or so per year for upkeep.
But when it comes down to it, the cost of the software isn't that important - it's how much it helps me get done that counts. And when it stops working, it's the support that counts.
I've got a web hosting account where the support techs are not helpful in the least. They answer questions with questions, or just stop answering. I'm not all that impressed with them, but for the price, I can't complain too much.
There's another piece of software that I own and it's not very expensive - about $80.00. The guy that makes it is a 1-man-show and he kicks. I never have to worry about updates - I get them in my email. He's so fast that I haven't had time to upgrade it. And he's sent me about 5 upgrades so far. He answers his support forums quickly too. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him again. I can't say that about everyone I've bought software from.
I've got another program that I bought 2 or 3 licenses for it at about $60.00 each, if I remember properly (it might have been $40 or something). Anyways, it's great software that I rely on HEAVILY and I'd spend $100.00 on it in a heartbeat for just an upgrade... That was if he were still around. He's dropped off the face of the planet, and now that I need him, he's gone...
I know another company that's just released some software for developers that's about $40.00 a copy. For what it does, it's insanely priced - LOW. I've been thinking about programming something very similar for a long time and they've done it. I can save myself countless hours by dropping $40.00 on this stuff, and I'll be glad to do it.
Mitchell Vincent recommended another piece of software off-handedly to me at the Shareware Industry Conference, and at $180.00, it's a bargain. I had a look at it, and will definitely be buying it.
The last two programs come with something that's probably the most important thing to me though - the companies support their products.
My own frustrations with software really motivate me to make sure that I deliver the kind of support that I want to receive. I don't want to fall into the same category as some other developers...
Cheers,
Renegade