Quote:
Originally Posted by LazyScot
Out of curiosity, how many of those who would never pay for a firmware update (that simply provides bug fixes or already "promised" functionaity) would pay for a new book to read on the device?
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I would definitely pay for new books (which is what I do all the time) except that I do not buy DRM-ed books.
about your comparison to paying for bug fixes: No, I would not pay for a book I already bought again (even at reduced price) if they released a "second edition" which contained a few corrections in spelling, more suitable margins and a different font promising better readability.
about the "promised" functionality, let me compare it to online games: If I play a multi-player online game I expect a certain level of bug fixing and game improving measures to be normal for an evolving virtual world. I would, however, certainly be willing to pay for any expansions which are adding all-new functionality and possibilities to the game beyond the "normal".
Of course, it's hard to exactly define what kind of improvements can be expected to be free and which are game-changing enough to merit paying for them but usually that's not a big problem for game makers to decide:
All MMOs are evolving and new ones arrive all the time. All the changes that are necessary to keep up with the competition enough for new customers to buy should be free (as they are the company's own interest to gain a larger customer base). Everything else is worth selling...
It may sound odd that I compare online games (which mostly charge a monthly fee) to an electronic device (which sells for a one time price) but I think the new generation of electronic devices appeals to many customers because they are a "work in progress" and people like the thought of an "evolving" device which improves and adapts to future needs.
That is what makes people buy "unfinished" products and accept short-comings in the initial stages and that's also what the company is using as a means to advertise: They insinuate that you are buying more than what is presently there, you also buy future possibilities ("upgradeable firmware", "can be extended", "future formats can be added", etc.) . They have then, however, the obligation to deliver some "future possibilities" or risk disgruntling their customers.