CompuServe Messages

>> The collectivist strategy of penalizing the 'producers' to help the 'non-producers' is a theme throughout Ayn Rand's writing. << Sure, right on, but we do not live in a collectivist society. You don't honestly think that Tim's models will be the only ones available? His so called strategy is totally dependent on the idea that he can make the best models. And if that's the case, then people will pay a premium no matter what. But there are other talented modelers like Tom Knight who is also developing a CD of his people et al. not to mention Viewpoint which has some extrordinarily talented modelers in house. Market forces will dictate which product sells best. No question! So just out of curiousity, what do you think about single source IPAS developers? They can ask whatever price they want. I can think of several examples of products which are totally outrageously priced. I just bring this up because I think the picture is very slanted on this whole issue of Tim and his models. It doesn't matter one iota what he wants to charge. Some people will pay it and some won't. If he prices them right then alot of people will. Basic economics. One of the things I think is bad about this whole discussion, is that a developer gets alot of flack about XYZ (price product performance etc.) and he's backed into a corner. The impression is that if he backs down, that he's a pushover, and people will continue to push. Anyone here believe that's not the case? No one could argue that's not true, because A its never happened and B with all the heat some of these guys get, who would want to? In a fortune 500 company when they decide to lower the price, there's no one screaming, "its too high" to motivate the decision. They look at the number of units sold and compare it with their competition. Its basic numbers arrived at by market analysis. Non of the developers who speak up and are trying to get some feedback are being given the same leeway. Its being rammed down their throats. Dongles / price, you name it! Its very unfortuneate! Locks them into a position and as a result _we_ all suffer. I have a feeling that what this is really doing is forcing the price up not down. Really counterproductive IMO. As always, I'll be most interested to read your view.