iMtG Server and Have it All - Business Model discussion

While in the past we allowed free access to iMtG Server updates, as we upgraded and matured our service we started requesting additional payments from our customers.

You will still receive the Database Updates through Apple App Store as we include these in the regular functional updates. Many of you purchased perpetual license in form of "Have It All", but updates through Apple App Store can never be as prompt as our dedicated iMtG Server.

So if you have purchased the 'I have it all' you won't have to pay additionally?

So if you have purchased the 'I have it all' you won't have to pay additionally?

No, but if you actively play a fluid tournament format such as Magic the Gathering's Standard then you will benefit from up to date iMtG Server database updates. Otherwise you will have to wait for next iMtG version to see all current data, if that is ok?

As a modern player I'm content with a slower update speed

So how long are we waiting for Aether Revolt? Also this means we won't get updates if the data is not proper? This doesn't seem like the way things should be going. I've paid for it all twice now. Not a fan of not able to get data.

So how long are we waiting for Aether Revolt?

You can have it now if you pay $0.99 for the month in which you want to receive upgrades from iMtG Server not the slow way through App Store. If you would not have All unlocked, this would also unlock all modules for the entire month. Unlocking iMtG Server for a longer period reduces the price per month substantially while still unlocking All functionalities for the period of subscription.

Apple recommends that we update the app no more often than fortnightly. While we will update app as often as we have bugfixes and feature updates to deliver to you, our target for this is once a month and we hope to achieve it later in the year. For the time being it is more like 5-10 days.

Also this means we won't get updates if the data is not proper?

In theory, but in practice Apple does not look at the data yet, they are still more focused on improving their automated tests for software itself.

This doesn't seem like the way things should be going.

Hey bro. The alternative is to shut down the project, is this where we should be going, you think?

I am happy to provide continuous service to paying customers, but I'm not happy to work for free for entitled *s (that is why I deleted their posts in this thread).

You paid for iMtG and I supported you for free with Database Updates through iMtG Server since 2011.

You paid for iMtG Plus at the time when Apple made a total mess of their iOS SDK and they dd not know where they are heading, but in the process you got a spare app for your Apprentice or to keep your other collection separate, on the same device. I use it to keep separate Inventory of all my non-MTG stuff, since all iMtG apps integrate with iOS Photos and display the photo of the object you keep in Magic Binders.

You paid for software and you have it, with perpetual license, so from the moral and legal stand point I owe you nothing. You are not entitled and never were to enslaving me as your personal Database Update provider for free for the rest of your life just because you forked less than 25 bucks over the 5 years. I am not your slave, I am just the maker of software and I have family to feed.

I upgraded our App for free through the .loving. mess Apple SDK upgrades were all the way from iOS4.3 to now iOS9.3 and you can even have iMtG compiled with iOS10 if you want to invest in iMtG U.

The 'buy once and get the service for free, forever' business model was never sustainable, that is why "Have it All" description ALWAYS read: "Unlock everything, now and forever. Includes all modules but excludes monthly iMtG Server access fee."

I hope this makes sense, take it or leave it ;]

I'm slightly confused, so as someone with have it all but not buying monthly access, will I never get a database update again?

I'm slightly confused, so as someone with have it all but not buying monthly access, will I never get a database update again?

You will, as the current Database Update ships included in the regular App updates pushed to you by Apple through App Store. But this is not as expensive as maintaining the iMtG Server and we are happy to provide Database Updates through this slow channel for free (apart from the ugly Ads if you don't have it unlocked, that is). Hope this makes sense?

So when we update the app it updates the database. Thanks a ton for clarifying

From my understanding:

Everything is still the same except for the updates for the cards database (i.e. A new set), you will have to wait till the App Store updates in order to get the new database.

I believe card prices will still update normally (drag down to refresh) - (please correct me if I'm wrong)

Access to forums etc is still free.

so for those impatient and need constant updates for sets, fixes to database etc, they can pay $1 the month the set comes out or the desire to update to a current database.

It's not terrible a guy wants to make money for an app he still supports, I've bought several apps over the years the just lose updates after certain Os updates, I think some people just look at $184 as a ton of money...but over 20 years, it's $9.20 a year to have constant updates etc

Just some alternative perspective for everyone. For $10 this app has served me well for how much I put time into Mtg.

So does this mean that as updates are generated, they will be pushed to the App Store, or are we waiting until code updates are ready to go?

I know he says that he always has that caveat about server fees but I certainly don't remember reading anything about it.

Lol thats the problem I have with the 'let me eat a cookie and have it' people ;] Thanks to the Founding Fathers that we have the justice system that we have, so I can prove you wrong in any court, my frenemy ;]

(please correct me if I'm wrong)

I think some people just look at $184 as a ton of money...but over 20 years, it's $9.20 a year to have constant updates etc

Thanks, bro, you got it right ;]
The Half Life thing is actually Full Life as it works same way as All does: you can restore it for free within the same iMtG app and Apple ID on any of your devices, anytime you are connected to App Store, so after 20 years you just hit Restore Updates and Bob's your uncle

'Underpromise, overdeliver'.

So does this mean that as updates are generated, they will be pushed to the App Store, or are we waiting until code updates are ready to go?

The deal we have with Apple decides that we will be waiting for code updates, so while at the moment the updates are quite frequent, our long term aim is to reduce the functionality updates to what Apple recommends which I believe to be 'around 1 month'.

If I change the app so that when you buy iMtG Server subscription while having All modules enabled the subscription period will be doubled - would you be happy to subscribe?

If I change the app so that when you buy iMtG Server subscription while having All modules enabled the subscription period will be doubled - would you be happy to subscribe?

I'm not sure I am really down with any subscription model right now.

The answer I am looking for is, when there is a new database update, will you be putting them up on the server as well as pushing to Apple? If that's the case, then I can be patient and wait the few extra days.