Harsh, IMO.
Putting all the politics to one side, it’s four years since the last paid for upgrade.
I’ve got the beta and for me there are enough improvements to warrant a spend.
Plus, even with Stacks App coming down the line I still want RM to be a working option, and small business needs a revenue stream to stay viable.
Harsh, but fair perhaps?
Yes, it has been 4 years since any significant update, but I struggle to think what functionality I use from RW, apart from the publishing platform for Stacks. RW have caused consternation by their recent actions and seem to want to play the ‘injured party’ card, but they are the team that ceased to be innovative and in all honesty, have ceased to be relevant.
RW Classic appears to be a few bug fixes, perhaps some overlooked features that didn’t make 8, but mainly an attempt to prevent the majority of their users deserting them. All I can say is roll on the Stacks app…
The “Classic” version is a mere attempt on retaining old dissatisfied customers who declared their support for Stacks 5 app.
Harsh but fair? I dunno, maybe. But ours is a tiny community populated by micro businesses. And micro businesses are run by individuals, often with no sounding boards or oversight, and so mistakes happen.
The community is going to be better served in the long run by the success of its two core platforms, namely Stacks App and RW. So while I do get that there is some bad feeling around I personally think it’s best to turn the page and move on.
I’m not taking sides or condoning or condemning any actions. Business is business. I just feel that my future business is more secure if both players succeed, so I’ll support both.
This does look like a release to keep the lights on and get Elements out the door. The change in yearly support is maybe not welcome but understandable to avoid going full subscription model. Though in my opinion bug fixes should be free regardless, improvements/new features fair enough to charge for. Maybe it’s going to be a new annual release?
It looked like a few improvements over RW8 but nothing startling. I’d be wary of the new and exciting things coming, as they’ve usually been a let down in the past.
Continually developing two similar/competing programs can’t be a good long term strategy, I’d assume something has to give at some point.
I’m far more interested to hear how Stacks 5 is coming along.
EXACTLY. Also, Realmac wants to lock their customers in a disguised subscription for updates.
It’s worse than before. Now there will be 3 apps to do the same thing. RW Classic to keep frustrated costumers. RW elements to try to build a new ecosystem against stacks, and Stacks 5 to have the Rapidweaver we know with just Stacks features, under other boss. This only makes sense for the developers, but users will be very confused. I’m fine with all these moves and announcements. To be honest, I will go straight to Stacks 5. That’s the only logical solution for people who use Stacks only websites.
If you are using Rapidweaver 8, don’t upgrade and jump to Stacks 5 app.
As up to date as Rapidweaver classic may be, I don’t think Isaiah intends to add any updates to Stacks there. This will soon make this program obsolete …
PS when the remedy is worse than the mistake …
Given the argy-bargy that has been going on much to everyone’s detriment, I consider this announcement a win for users that still want or need RW (Classic) for existing projects, knowing it will still get updates and support on an ongoing basis, or so it appears for now.
Plus there’s now a choice to use the new stacks app or the new RW (TBA) version when they ship.
Customers can choose which new app performs best or is best for their needs.
The new psuedo-subscription model for RW Classic is a shame for users, but companies have to be profitable to keep offering the product. Hopefully the pricing is not too steep to be a barrier.
Question: Does RW8 work well with Ventura, (or do you have to buy classic for full compatibility)?
I think Blocs is the new alternative for people like us. Time to invest $300 on a new platform. I wish I can keep using RW8 with F6 for a couple of years until the big collapse.
@svsmailus What makes you think that RW8 doesn’t run on Ventura?
As of the current Ventura beta, RW8 runs fine.
After a good night’s sleep, there’s something else that popped to mind: RW Classic seems to be an attempt to piggyback on Stacks. If stacks will continue to work with the current Stacks plugin, why would one move to a new Stacks app while there’s RW Classic with all new (promised) bells and whistles? FOMO! Yes, it’s the ‘fear of missing out’. This time not a social phenomenon but a rather sad play of marketing manipulation. Combine this with the “it’s not a subscription”-subscription model and RMS can, once again, lean back and profit.
Whatever decision you make, also be aware of the ‘sunk cost fallacy’, don’t throw good money after bad because you’re too invested (either with time or money). You know exactly when it’s time to cut your losses (trust your gut).
What are the improvements ?
There is very little information about this.
Very selective quoting!
I said…
for me there are enough improvements to warrant a spend.
For you, there may not be, for me, there is. Given it’s only about £40! The new stuff is in the video that’s floating about on the various (WTF?) RM/RW forums.
I also totally support the new pricing model, of eeking a few quid each year out of users. Opposed to a big hit every four years. Which can not be a healthy cashflow for any business.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m 100% behind Isaiah and the new Stacks App, I’m really excited to use it, I think it’ll be the tool many (of us) have wanted for a long time now. But i’m not about to throw the baby out with the bath water. For me, personally, RW still has a place in my arsenal of web tools. And I;m refusing to get caught up, at least publically, in the politics of it all. My focus at the end of the day is on me, my clients and my business. Of which RW still has a core role.
From looking at that video, I am unaware of what these new features are beyond:
The RM Classic FAQ states:
“RapidWeaver Classic comes with a host of new features and fixes, and the assurance that it will be updated to run on the next big release of macOS later this year.”
I’m just trying to understand what the “host of new features” are.
Maybe ask Dan? As I said, repeatedly now, for me, there is enough new stuff to warrant the spend, so I’m happy enough to throw them £40.
You pay subscription for services not for the privilege to use a tool. I like the way they ask for your money for the services of updates and fixes.
last comment on the matter as it’s just getting silly. But this…
Is complete nonsense. You can rent a house. You can rent a car. You can rent a bike. You can rent just about anything. Rental and subscription are essentially the same thing. The suggestion that rental, or subscriptions are just for services is just plain wrong.
How hard is it? Tell me about the learning curve. Is it good?