[QLab] Small update to Pro Demo, Pricing Thoughts, and other Whatnots

[Jim Carroll]

Hi Chris,

Interesting idea to go modular. It appeals to me as a not-quite-pro  
sound guy. I can add pieces as I grow and I'm much more likely to  
stay brand-loyal if I know I can get what I'll need in the future  
without having to learn a new app.

have fun at the wedding.

Jim


On Aug 17, 2006, at 11:41 PM, Christopher Ashworth wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> First of all, there's a small update to QLab Pro tonight, fixing two
> bugs.  Beta testers should update.
>
> Also, today I heard an interesting idea from another user (one not on
> the list) about a possible pricing structure.  He pointed out that I
> went to the trouble of having this insanely flexible plugin system,
> and why not use it to it's full advantage?
>
> It'd go something like this:
>
> There'd be no more QLab Pro.  There'd just be QLab.  It would remain
> free.  Everything about the core application would be free, including
> future updates to core features, like cue list appearance adjustment,
> macros and templates, refinement of the playback controls, etc.
>
> QLab would still come bundled with the original set of plugins, for
> free.
>
> To extend it, you could purchase additional plugins "packs".  Example:
>
>     * MIDI Pack - Includes MIDI Voice Messages and MIDI Show Control
> Messages.  (Others too, like MTC, as they are added.)
>     * Video Pack - Includes Video Cues and Quartz Composer Cues.
>     * Advanced Control Pack - Shell Cue, Applescript Cue, Pause/
> Resume Cue, etc.
>     * and so on...
>
> Each major pack might be in the $100-200 dollar range, depending on
> what it does.  Smaller upgrades would also be possible.  For example,
> you could upgrade the Sound Cue to "Pro Sound" to access extra output
> channels and get channel routing, and it might only cost you, say, 60
> to 80 bucks.
>
> With this approach, people can get exactly what they want.  Someone
> with a modest budget who only wants to bump their capabilities a
> little bit doesn't have to break the bank (and doesn't have to pay
> for stuff they won't use) while the higher-end professionals can deck
> themselves out with everything at a price that is still reasonable,
> but also reflects the value and power of what you're getting.
>
> I still need to think this through a bit, and it will require a
> little more work on my end to rework the licensing system, but at
> first glance I'm liking it a lot.
>
> Feel free to comment on this, whether you like it or hate it.  FYI,
> I'm heading out tomorrow morning for a wedding in California, so I'll
> probably be away from a computer until Monday.  If I don't respond
> immediately, that's the reason why.
>
> Best,
> Christopher
>
>
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