vBulletin 4 Series Development Update

[Wayne Luke]

Originally Posted by forum4

I mean if there is already talk about a version 5, which I know I read somewhere.

Yeah... there is no talk of vBulletin 5. At least nothing worth repeating. There is too much work to be done on the vBulletin 4 series that would even preclude it.

[silvermerc]

i think its shambles that they are charging extra for vbulletin 4, we paid for a owned licence and we pay updates then to be given a hidden bill to upgrade to vb 4 is crap

[RetroDreams]

Originally Posted by Digital Jedi

But that's just what I'm saying, your still getting a product for what you paid for. It's not like their revoking your license, of forcing you to purchase anything. The only thing your theoretically missing out on, and again, I don't really recall them saying this specifically, but allegedly the only thing your missing out on is an upgrade. But your still going to have access to 3.8 and the support that goes with it.

Again, did I miss something? Did vB say all you late buyers weren't going to get any kind of concession, or is everyone just jumping to the worst case conclusion?

I think what folks are arguing is this:

Originally Posted by Jelsoft

The owned vBulletin Forum license allows you to run the software on your site indefinitely. Along with this license, you will receive one year of free updates.

If vBulletin 4 comes out during that individual's year of free updates, there should be no charge, period. It is immaterial that it is going from v3 to v4, the terms of the agreement clearly state any updates during said period are free. Jelsoft really needs to ammend their EULA as well as update the website stating that it includes current version updates and if they move to a new version there may be a nominal fee. But they should honor anyone that purchased prior to the ammendment.

[sparkster666]

I just hope it comes out soon I want to play with it

[HeyMe]

Originally Posted by RetroDreams

If vBulletin 4 comes out during that individual's year of free updates, there should be no charge, period. It is immaterial that it is going from v3 to v4, the terms of the agreement clearly state any updates during said period are free. Jelsoft really needs to ammend their EULA as well as update the website stating that it includes current version updates and if they move to a new version there may be a nominal fee. But they should honor anyone that purchased prior to the ammendment.

I guess everyone who has a valid license (new or renewed) should get the updates free. We buy a license for 1 year of free upgrades & we renew it also for free upgrades.

BtW where is it stated that the upgrade to vB 4 will be a paid one?

[maidos]

Originally Posted by HeyMe

I guess everyone who has a valid license (new or renewed) should get the updates free. We buy a license for 1 year of free upgrades & we renew it also for free upgrades.

BtW where is it stated that the upgrade to vB 4 will be a paid one?

ditto! if you seriously will charge i will sell vb license since you offer onw 1 free update and charge for vb4 will be ridiculous. ipb wil be cheaper and less money greedy

[forum4]

Well, and then if you pay the $190 for vB 4, you only get a year of updates without even an option to continue to get updates?

If that's the case, there's no benefit from vB 3 as if you paid the $180 you'd get the year of updates. If you didn't want anymore updates, you could still use the program.

With vB 4 you won't have to pay the $40 - $60 a year, but you won't get anymore updates either? If that is the case, they'll have to release new versions every year in order to continue to pull in revenue.

[Wayne Luke]

Originally Posted by forum4

With vB 4 you won't have to pay the $40 - $60 a year, but you won't get anymore updates either? If that is the case, they'll have to release new versions every year in order to continue to pull in revenue.

Under the leaked information, if you have vBulletin 4, you will get updates for the version 4 series as long as they are created whether its 1 year, 2 years, 5 years. Doesn't matter. There would be no yearly upgrade fee for vBulletin 4. You would just get them.

When vBulletin 5 is released, there would be an upgrade fee and you would receive all upgrades for version 5.

When vBulletin 6 is released, another upgrade fee and you would receive all version 6 releases.

So instead of paying $60 per year, you would just pay one upfront fee. Upgrading shouldn't cost as much as purchasing a new license either. In fact, no where was that ever stated, even in the leaked information. The prices in that information are what were discussed for brand new licenses, not upgrades.

[RetroDreams]

Originally Posted by forum4

Well, and then if you pay the $190 for vB 4, you only get a year of updates without even an option to continue to get updates?

If that's the case, there's no benefit from vB 3 as if you paid the $180 you'd get the year of updates. If you didn't want anymore updates, you could still use the program.

With vB 4 you won't have to pay the $40 - $60 a year, but you won't get anymore updates either? If that is the case, they'll have to release new versions every year in order to continue to pull in revenue.

We're missing two variables. How much the upgrades between major versions will cost and how often major versions will be released. Those two things can really swing the TCO either way. I have a feeling that since they're so hesitant to release pricing information, it is not a good sign for us forum owners.

Additionally, Internet Brands is a publicly traded company designed to profit. vBulletin is just another company in their portfolio so I'm also afraid that the interaction between staff and customer will never return to what it once was.

[Wayne Luke]

Originally Posted by RetroDreams

I have a feeling that since they're so hesitant to release pricing information, it is not a good sign for us forum owners.

Or its not finalized. I don't even know what pricing is going to be. It wouldn't do anyone any good to make an announcement that says "We think prices will be like this and upgrades will be that, however we aren't quite sure yet."