Software used to cost real money, because writing and maintaining it takes real work.
When I was getting on the internet, you could buy Netscape Navigator — a *web browser* — in a *box* at a *brick and mortar store* for FIFTY DOLLARS.
So unless you would honestly pay a one-time purchase of $50 for that app whose subscription model you hate, be happy! You are getting a bargain.
From a 1996 Fast Company article:
“Microsoft is giving away Internet Explorer, while Netscape’s retail price for Navigator is $49. (You can download a trial version and use it free for up to 90 day”
https://www.fastcompany.com/27743/nothing-netscape
You might be right but I’m glad to know why I was confused.
@jsit Yes, Netscape was less than forthcoming about its pricing policy. At some points they would insist their browser was free for non commercial use and when it suited them, they would say they wanted the cash.
The not-so-nice Nescape scheme was to flood the market with Navigator for free so as to put Spyglass Mosaic out of business. Then jack up the prices.
Marc Andressen was just as much of a nasty piece of work then as now he is a billionaire shilling Ponzi schemes. Marc spent a lot of time trying to steal credit for the Web.
Jay 🆘
Phillip Hallam-Baker
Kay Bien