Hello everyone,
I've been a long-time user of various forum software platforms, including Invision Community, Xenforo, and Woltlab. Over the years, I've noticed a significant difference in how these platforms handle plugin pricing, especially for smaller plugins. I wanted to open a discussion on this topic and hear your thoughts.
My Experience with Plugin Pricing:
Invision Community: In my experience, Invision Community (3rd Party Developers) charges for almost every small plugin. It’s not uncommon to see prices ranging from $10 to $15 for simple features, such as displaying a member’s reaction count under their avatar in a post. While I understand the need to compensate developers for their work, these prices seem a bit steep for such minor additions.
Xenforo and Woltlab: In comparison, Xenforo and Woltlab seem to offer more reasonable pricing for similar small plugins. In many cases, minor features are either free or come at a much lower cost. This approach makes it easier for forum owners to add useful functionalities without breaking the bank.
Points for Discussion:
Value for Money: Do you think the prices for small plugins in Invision Community reflect the value they add to your forum? Are there specific features you believe justify the higher cost?
Alternative Solutions: Are there other platforms or methods you use to acquire necessary plugins without overspending? Have you found certain developers or marketplaces more reasonable in their pricing?
Impact on Forum Customization: How does the cost of small plugins affect your ability to customize and enhance your forum? Have you ever decided against adding a feature due to its cost?
Availability of Plugins: Since the closure of the centralized marketplace, I've found it increasingly difficult to find the plugins I need. Now that plugins are spread across different providers' forums, it takes more time and effort to locate and purchase the right tools.
Personal Perspective: I don’t mind paying for larger, more complex plugins that significantly enhance the forum's functionality. However, paying $15 for a minor feature seems excessive to me. Additionally, the difficulty in finding plugins due to the closure of the centralized marketplace has added to the frustration. I’d love to hear your opinions and experiences on these matters.