[Locked] Hate Adobe subscription model

[Guest]

Anybody else hate this subscription model? I feel like I can't use any of my own personally created materials without them monetizing the heck out of it. I can't use my own digitally created material unless I pay, pay pay - HATE THIS!!!!!! Feels like you are violating my copyrights in a technological way by denying me access to the software I used to create my own material unless I pay into your digital xxxxxx system.

[Moderator: Post edited due undue statements]

[AxelMatt]

What does the subscription model have to do with your personally generated material? Why you can use your material without paying the subscription fee? I don't understand where you see a problem.

If you are not ready to pay a monthly amount then you have to look for other tools.

BTW: Please moderate yourself in your statements about the Adobe system!!

[Guest]

Axel Matt,

I am sorry you don't like my post. But I am frustrated by the new way Adobe has chosen to have us pay for our use of its software. If I don't pay for the subscription, my use of the Adobe subscription software goes away, yes?  Yes, and I confirmed that with the help person on the Adobe chat. After you cancel your subscription, you have a limited time to access any cloud files and eventually the software is no longer available either.

I would not have access to my CC docs because I wouldn't have access to the software that I used to create those docs, unless of course I re-started the subscription. This means I would have to rebuild these docs in some earlier version of the software, should I still have it, or in some other software altogether. This is what I mean when I say my own work would not be available to me.

Regarding your comments - they were most unhelpful. You offer no alternative other than "shop elsewhere." Obviously, I could do that, but I have purchased, used and upgraded Adobe software for years with no complaints - until this subscription issue. As a customer, does my opinion not matter? Am I to get in line with my credit card along with all the other sheep and never voice my strong objections?

I also take exception to your comment that I "moderate myself." I voiced a strong objection to the subscription model but used no foul language, nor did I attack anyone. My problem is not with the software (which is still awesome, btw) or with the many people who created it. My only objection is to this method of paying for it and accessing it. I won't be bullied into silence just because I offended your sensibilities.

[Nancy OShea]

Sorry if I can't muster up much sympathy because what you're complaining about is absurd.

What makes you think you shouldn't pay to use the software?  

[Guest]

My comment is not absurd. I never suggested we shouldn't pay for the software. (Re-read my comments) We've been paying for it for years. Every time there was a major new version, we bought it. The software has never been free, nor should it be. The people who create software should be paid for their work. Again, you commenters tell me nothing. You simply attack me for resisting the subscription payment model.  In the end, users will end up paying far more for software with the subscription model than they ever paid for past software licenses. We know it and it's simply the truth. Oh well, not that my opinion matters. Adobe will continue going forward with the subscription model whether I or any other customers complain or not. I can see that Adobe shut down previous discussions on the matter. Guess this discussion is over too. It's ok, you don't need to respond - I can see where I stand.

[Ned Murphy]

While it can depend on which applications you make use of, the more there are, the less it costs... less than what you used to pay prior to the subscription model.  You would have to do that math based on your needs, but you might find that in comparison to what you used to pay, the subscription model can cost less than the license model.

There are many who share your feelings about the subscription model, myself being one of them - I hardly use any of their products (and usually CS6 ones when I do - regardless that I get a free subscription due to my contributions in the forums), but apparently for a majority of Adobe customers the subscription model is the more economical and efficient option.

[Guest]

Finally, a real perspective. Thanks for your comments A subscription model certainly lowers the cost to get initial access to the software. I just worry that they will continue to "raise the rent" as it were, making it harder and harder to afford. I hope that doesn't happen, but when I look at other subscription-based business models, like cable, that is what typically happens. Again, thank you for providing another point of view instead of just attacking me.

[Daniel E Lane]

As Ned Murphy said, it costs far less now than it did back when we were buying full versions of the software. And depending on which software(s) and what time frame you are looking at, it works out to thousands less per year. But it looks like you are having a bit of a rant over something that has not transpired, but is rather just something you are worried about as a possibility (ie: Adobe "Raising the rent"). I don't think you have much to worry about there. If they raise it too much, they know they will start to lose customers more and more. They came up with the current pricing as a balance between what works for them and what the market is willing to pay. They really can't fluctuate too much off of that and still keep profitable and making their share holders happy. Don't stress it too much.

[AxelMatt]

It has nothing to do with whether I like your post or not. Everyone can write their opinion accordingly and I respect them too. But sometimes your idiom is pretty fierce and your comparisons inappropriate.

[shawn_starc]

I think you feel like if I pay 500+ plus dollars for a year of subscription and cancel it after a year. I am good with not getting update but least allow me too access the application of those apps for which I have already paid for it. But unfortunately, its a disadvantage of the subscription model. But that doesn't mean it is not good. I love the photography plan because in just $10 you get lot of things along with Photoshop application like  Adobe fonts, Rush etc. It is okay just try the free services of Adobe. Like Adobe mobile applications and spark.

I hope for the best from Adobe in future. Maybe in future they listen their irate customers and try to bulid an offline model application just like its used to but with an innovative way.

[Abambo]

There are a few points wrong in your assumptions:

1. When paying for perpetual licenses, you can use the software forever. I have a bunch of perpetual licenses lying around where I even can’t install the software anymore. Those software where heavy weights, like Maya or Autocad. They did cost an arm and a leg at their time. I also have different other software like Borland C++ developpement systems etc.
2. You do not need to pay to keep your data. But sure, if you rent a space (cloud or a garage) you need to movve your assets when you stop the payements.
3. The price you pay is not higher than what you paid with the perpetual model and the upgrades. Indeed, the subscription model added many licenses to the Adobe pool and it gave Adobe the opportunity to keep the price stable for some time now with a slight increase for the first time a year or two ago. We added 50% more licenses because of the subscription model and the ease to shuffle licenses around (we have a teams license, wich allows for additional flexibility at a slightly higher price).

All in all, there is only one category of customers paying more than they did in the past: The hobbyist who acquired a license at some moment and kept that one without upgrading for years. There are still from time to time users with CS2 or 3 licenses who call for help.

If you are a hobbyist, you find plenty of alternate products that are cheaper and may be sufficient for you. I would prefer the professional version...

[thatsmauri · Accepted solution]

Just to be clear on this: Whatever you create with any of Adobe's apps is yours. Even if the subscription ends. You just won't have access to the Adobe apps anymore and your Creative Cloud file storage quota gets limited (see 'Creative Cloud file storage and quota' for information).

You should be able to see your files by visiting https://assets.adobe.com/files.

[Guest]

Ok - thanks for the links and your thoughts.

[fritzkohle]

I cant stand the subscription model. I am not certain if Adobe complies with EU GDPR laws either. I so dislike Adobes subscription that I deleted myn account. According to EU GDPR deleting my account should be as easy as setting it up. It was not. 

I like Photoshop and Premiere. I need it at work. So I reluctantly signed up again. But Adobe did not let me use my old email address, saying it is already used by another user. Clearly Adobe did not delete my old account details entirely! Another violation of the EU GDP regulation!

I use Adobe only because I have to at work. If that was not the case I'd be using FCP and Resolve only. 

The way Abobe is luring users into their subscription system is eventually going to be Adobe's downfall. Which would be a real pitty for products like Premiere.

[Nancy OShea]

I don't see it that way.  Despite how you may feel about subscriptions, Adobe's Creative Cloud model has been wildly successful.  With an estimated 15 million subscribers, it's not going away any time soon.  

If you still pine for boxed disks and upgrades every 2 years, consider using the lighter versions of Photoshop and Premier Elements.  

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-premiere-elements/buying-guide.html

[fritzkohle]

I guess we disagree on this then. I do not long for any boxes - and do not see how you conclude that from my post. To the contrary, I prefer simple downlaods. FCP from the Apple store. Resolve from Blackmagic. A one off payment. Life time ownership. 

Sure, the subscription system is wildly successful. If you are Adobe - you are probably raking it in. As a teacher in Film & TV I can tell you that our IT department is regularly clogged up with students and faculty venting their frustration about the subscription system and the at best moderate way user accounts are established and set up. EU data protection regulation comes to mind immediately. 

[DebbiB]

I HATE it also. I don't care that it might be a little more expensive to buy it outright. Who needs one more payment to keep up with. What are alternatives?

[Nancy OShea]

"I don't care that it might be a little more expensive to buy it outright. "

Adobe cloud products cannot be bought outright.  It's all by subscription now. 

If someone contacts you privately pretending to be from Adobe and offers to sell you software, run away.  They are bad actors attempting to gain your trust and victimize you.  Don't be mislead by Adobe impostors.  

Avoid Phishing: 3 Easy Ways to Identify Adobe Staff

https://community.adobe.com/t5/community-help/avoid-phishing-3-easy-ways-to-identify-adobe-staff/td-...

[DebbiB]

Yes, unfortunately, that is what I am seeing, so I will be looking for alternatives if that is a permanent policy.  [Personal remarks removed by moderator.]