Invision Community Marketplace Closure

[Tyrsson]

Which is why I usually only do either:

a) Open Source releases
b) I build the entire deployment as a single project. Main site, its development, forum integration etc etc.

If you want a good laugh create an account on upwork (or any site in the same market) and take a look around.

P.S. Literally no mod I can think written by a dev worth using the title is only going to take them 30 minutes. Considering that mod should start its life cycle in a vanilla install, there went 10 minutes of the dev time. So now you have 20 minutes to write it and package it. Accounts for zero testing time. Even with automated testing.... By the time its ready for release... Really ready. Not gonna happen in 30 minutes.

 

[Empire]

Well, gotta say the future is changing and at times we have to change, can't be stuck in some old times. I have to agree that the marketplace on IPS is dead, I have mentioned this meant times in the past year anyway that developers abandon their work and leave their work idling while clients have to look at other methods or hire. Was a little shocked that they fully removed it though as for six years it's a one-stop shop to look at all third-parties addons.

There are already a couple of developers anyway that have their own websites with their work listed. And from @joelr he's working on one as we speak with a team I'm guessing to create a one-stop shop for all developers to upload and all clients to download and buy. Sounds like it's going to be epic and even better and so while it's a shock, it's also going to open a new cheaper and that book is going to be bigger and better than before

I feel like that site going to offer so much more on both parties. Most people that own an IPS site as we speak are more concerned about what third-party apps they have already got installed and do not want to lose it. I mean I have add-ons that left abandon that I want it to keep going and paying single dev would cost to much XD

 

[Tracy]

And from @joelr he's working on one as we speak with a team I'm guessing to create a one-stop shop for all developers to upload and all clients to download and buy.

So, basically a third party recreating what another competitor has offered for years direct from their official site in their XFRM add-on (which is also available to clients to use)..
I actually wondered how long the IPS MarketPlace would be able to survive with the restrictions it was under.. now we know, and we see one more instance of how IPS tends to kick stuff to the curb when it becomes unprofitable. As several of us have commented on.. yes, you self-hosted folks.. they ARE actually coming for you.. it's just not "time" yet and they won't tell you what is coming down the pike.

 

[Empire]

So, basically a third party recreating what another competitor has offered for years direct from their official site in their XFRM add-on (which is also available to clients to use)..
I actually wondered how long the IPS MarketPlace would be able to survive with the restrictions it was under.. now we know, and we see one more instance of how IPS tends to kick stuff to the curb when it becomes unprofitable. As several of us have commented on.. yes, you self-hosted folks.. they ARE actually coming for you.. it's just not "time" yet and they won't tell you what is coming down the pike.

IPS even stated that they not making any profit from their marketplace for awhile now they have lost profit. But two months away and it's bye bye see you later. Last thing I want is to join 700 sites to get addons

 

[Tracy]

IPS even stated that they not making any profit from their marketplace for awhile now they have lost profit. But two months away and it's bye bye see you later. Last thing I want is to join 700 sites to get addons

I realized a LONG time ago that their marketplace scheme was simply simply one more method of skimming a few more pennies from users/developers. XenForo's XFRM has worked well as a source for developers to list their items for over a decade... and now it seems that IPS has determined to emulate similar, but apparently wants to push the "major" weight off to a third party.
BTW, last time I checked.. WoltLab was similar to what IPS once once offered? So, over the last 5 years... which provider has shown consistency to their license holders?
The new official IPS "mantra". Money talks, everything else walks (or gets kicked to the kurb)
It's simply one more step down that path that is going to limit them to a VERY small segment of the internet... and if they think they are "perfect" enough to depend entirely upon commercial interests... I think they are going to be sorely surprised. As a simple hobbyist site, I spend about $8K a year on average (just dropped $1200 on some equipment to review) on the site and buying product to generate content for it... but I'm still considered a "hobbyist" in the field since I don't have commercial support and I don't throw tons of money directly to IPS, all costs simply coming out of my pocket and something that I keep tight control over. Now, multiply that by a few hundred that are probably similar that IPS is working to drive away. I think they are sorely mistaken on how "taken" their license holders are with them... I'm seeing seeing an uptick in requests from license holders on migration way from IPS to other offerings (and even have gotten a few requests for assistance myself for assistance, which I declined since I am not "up" with the current IPS offering).

 

[joelr]

And from @joelr he's working on one as we speak with a team I'm guessing to create a one-stop shop for all developers to upload and all clients to download and buy.

To set the right expectations, I plan on building a Marketplace Directory. This will be similar to the old IPSBeyond or InvisionModding or Xenforo's Resource Directory that compiles and aggregates mods, but support and payment will be handled by each developer on their own site.
It's meant to be a fast and simple directory.

 

[Cedric]

I realized a LONG time ago that their marketplace scheme was simply simply one more method of skimming a few more pennies from users/developers. XenForo's XFRM has worked well as a source for developers to list their items for over a decade... and now it seems that IPS has determined to emulate similar, but apparently wants to push the "major" weight off to a third party.
BTW, last time I checked.. WoltLab was similar to what IPS once once offered? So, over the last 5 years... which provider has shown consistency to their license holders?
The new official IPS "mantra". Money talks, everything else walks (or gets kicked to the kurb)
It's simply one more step down that path that is going to limit them to a VERY small segment of the internet... and if they think they are "perfect" enough to depend entirely upon commercial interests... I think they are going to be sorely surprised. As a simple hobbyist site, I spend about $8K a year on average (just dropped $1200 on some equipment to review) on the site and buying product to generate content for it... but I'm still considered a "hobbyist" in the field since I don't have commercial support and I don't throw tons of money directly to IPS, all costs simply coming out of my pocket and something that I keep tight control over. Now, multiply that by a few hundred that are probably similar that IPS is working to drive away. I think they are sorely mistaken on how "taken" their license holders are with them... I'm seeing seeing an uptick in requests from license holders on migration way from IPS to other offerings (and even have gotten a few requests for assistance myself for assistance, which I declined since I am not "up" with the current IPS offering).

Can we get all along as of now? The interview will make a lot clear but I feel that whatever is said or even proven, your judgement is made ages ago and you'll never change your judgement. Invision Community can't do anything to fall into your grace and you'll call them out on every little thing you can. So, drop the hate. If you don't agree with their doings, then leave them be. But I've tolerated enough of this.

This topic is about the marketplace shutdown and how it costs money for IC to manage. Because: people will always bitch to IC if their 3rd party add on doesn't work and demand a refund. Even if IC commissioned about half the add on price, they still would lose money on the Marketplace. People keep breaking stuff, or the 3rd party add on isn't what they expected and boom, they ask for refunds.

If anything this move will create a longer stability for the company, because you know - they do have to make a profit to keep their business.

Also, your 1200USD shouldn't be counted towards your site, it's a personal purchase you choose to buy for creating content. You don't HAVE TO purchase it. It's not gonna make your website run better, nor worse.

People are not gonna migrate because the Marketplace shut down. Maybe a few, but definitely not hundreds. So, drop the hate and get along or simply ignore this topic. If you wish to proceed posting, then keep it civilised and not filled with hate.

 

[Tracy]

Can we get all along as of now? The interview will make a lot clear but I feel that whatever is said or even proven, your judgement is made ages ago and you'll never change your judgement. Invision Community can't do anything to fall into your grace and you'll call them out on every little thing you can. So, drop the hate. If you don't agree with their doings, then leave them be. But I've tolerated enough of this.

Sorry to burst your bubble... but history supports the position. Wishes do not change that. In fact, it has been CLEARLY stated that monetary reasons played a part in the elimination of it.
And I don't "hate" them for that.. it's simple fact. But it's also realistic to call them out on it, specifically based upon historical trends of theirs.
I think I've been VERY clear on the fact that IPS as a script is fantastic... it's the management aspect I have issues with. I REALLY don't know how much more clearly i can state that. That's pretty much at an elementary level.
And it seems that their decision with the marketplace is not only an issue in my opinion.. but many others. I never understood (other than to pull some extra money in) why they did as they did when a simpler (and cheaper) solution was something like XFRM... and guess what... that's pretty much what is going to happen.
But I also realize that as a admin site, script developers tend/trend to be your "bread & butter".

Also, your 1200USD shouldn't be counted towards your site, it's a personal purchase you choose to buy for creating content. You don't HAVE TO purchase it. It's not gonna make your website run better, nor worse.

Really... US Tax law would disagree.... if it's used for content creation for a "business"... it's able to be written off, which means it IS part of the "business". I'm pretty sure that the tax laws wherever you are based at are similar. You apparently have a very simplistic outlook on what running a "business" costs. It's not just the software. It's also pursuit of content (think travel, lodgings, etc) that can be inclusive as part of the "business". It just so happens that I'm not incorporated, so I don't get that little perk so I get to support it totally on my back.

People are not gonna migrate because the Marketplace shut down. Maybe a few, but definitely not hundreds. So, drop the hate and get along or simply ignore this topic. If you wish to proceed posting, then keep it civilised and not filled with hate.

Not because of that ONE incident.. it's a cascading effect... big words I realize... but I'm sure you realize what it entails.
PLEASE show me where there is "hate".... what I am seeing is indicators of fear of developers deciding not to participate in a site because someone isn't being "kissy face" enough.

 

[Cedric]

Tracy, it's pretty obvious, you like to call IC out on their in your eyes flaws. I know you like to argue, not just about IC but about anything. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but some of us don't want to get into the whole arguments back and forth. If that is your vision of IC, then that's your right, but there is no point to keep us feeding that vision. We all have our opinions and thoughts but if one does not share the same opinion as you, you tend to go overboard trying to change that person's opinion.

We're a safe haven for everyone, not a toxic place and I won't put anyone under moderation for voicing an opinion, but sometimes, I wish you could agree to disagree.

 

[Dismal_Bliss]

IPS tends to kick stuff to the curb when it becomes unprofitable....yes, you self-hosted folks.. they ARE actually coming for you.. it's just not "time" yet and they won't tell you what is coming down the pike.

$199 a year a month that goes straight into their coffers is still profit. That averages $16.58/mo. I have a dozen other hobbies that cost me more per month than this.

With regard to the Marketplace shutting down - it was a beautiful and information layout. But there will still be a Developers forum and probably a place where such modifications are discussed. They won't be hard to find, buy, and install.

They say a large portion of their clients don't use themes and add-ons. Probably because the stock software is already stellar. It does almost everything one needs it to do anyway.

 

[Tracy]

$199 a year a month that goes straight into their coffers is still profit.

But there is a cost involved to that $199 a year self-hosted script.... and like all things with a business, once it becomes cost inefficient then you get to go from $199 a year to a minimum of $600-$800 (whatever their bottom tier cloud offering is x12). I seriously doubt that IPS will be gladly forking out money to keep a few people on self-hosted scripts instead of working on making money. I don't see them doing stuff like offering "loss leading items" to bring in customers - specifically when referring to self-hosting. They will have better luck onboarding directly into their SaaS offering instead of pushing the self-hosting and then "upselling" the license holder.

 

[Tracy]

We all have our opinions and thoughts but if one does not share the same opinion as you, you tend to go overboard trying to change that person's opinion.

I thought the whole purpose of an admin site was to discourse on what is seen as flaws.... you know, there is ALWAYS good with bad when people talk about scripts.
As I have said time and TIME again..... and apparently some folks are WELL too dense to recognize it. IPS offers a fantastic script, that in many ways exceeds much of what is on the market. And I think I was pretty clear when I stated I never understood why they wanted to play "Apple" in their marketplace, other than to try to make some extra monies. A resource manager similar to what XF offers and off-site transactions on the developers site would have been much better.
One simply needs to be aware of their past "history of promises and abandonment" on what they offer. I'll leave ya'll to blow smoke.... as apparently real world history shall be ignored and "fan-bois" commentary takes it's place. It's their business practices any person thinking about purchasing needs to weigh those historical trends/promises. And guess what... it's not limited to IPS. XF and their "ho-hum" updates and communications (actually lack thereof) is almost as bad.

 

[Matt M]

$199 a year a month that goes straight into their coffers is still profit. That averages $16.58/mo. I have a dozen other hobbies that cost me more per month than this.

With regard to the Marketplace shutting down - it was a beautiful and information layout. But there will still be a Developers forum and probably a place where such modifications are discussed. They won't be hard to find, buy, and install.

They say a large portion of their clients don't use themes and add-ons. Probably because the stock software is already stellar. It does almost everything one needs it to do anyway.

Absolutely, we deliberated with a few possible futures, one was removing the self-hosted option but we crunched the numbers and worked on the new v5 license pricing which keeps it sustainable so we're happy to keep supporting it and having an option for those that like running their own servers. We really tried to find a model that would keep it affordable for existing customers and as you say, roughly $20 per month is crazy value for what you get.

 

[Empire]

With regard to the Marketplace shutting down - it was a beautiful and information layou

I mean at least they explained it well anyway

 

[kensonplays]

Absolutely, we deliberated with a few possible futures, one was removing the self-hosted option but we crunched the numbers and worked on the new v5 license pricing which keeps it sustainable so we're happy to keep supporting it and having an option for those that like running their own servers. We really tried to find a model that would keep it affordable for existing customers and as you say, roughly $20 per month is crazy value for what you get.

Yea, tho monthly feels like your renting space on a server, NOT self hosting. I don't know of any other software that does a monthly fee to host on your own servers, most are just yearly, not a yearly fee then monthly as well.

I haven't touched adobe since cs6 so I don't know much about their insane pricing either tbh.

 

[CharlesW]

It’s not yearly AND monthly. It’s yearly OR monthly. People can choose.

 

[kensonplays]

It’s not yearly AND monthly. It’s yearly OR monthly. People can choose.

Well, when I asked in DM on your site, they told me 500 **and** 20/mo. They didn't give me a monthly only option.

 

[CharlesW]

Well, when I asked in DM on your site, they told me 500 **and** 20/mo. They didn't give me a monthly only option.

Oh yes, sorry, you were confused.

Pricing is $499 for the first year and then you can renew for either $19/month or $199/year after that. https://invisioncommunity.com/buy/self-hosted/

So either the monthly or the yearly option (your choice) does not start for one year after the initial purchase.

 

[kensonplays]

Oh yes, sorry, you were confused.

Pricing is $499 for the first year and then you can renew for either $19/month or $199/year after that. https://invisioncommunity.com/buy/self-hosted/

So either the monthly or the yearly option (your choice) does not start for one year after the initial purchase.

Unfortunately, 500 is way too much right off the bat, for someone who's unemployed and would love the software. I could get by with 20/mo without the 500 initial bit, with what little I get from SSI, but that's an entire months income so I'd have nothing left for rent, groceries, etc.

 

[TwitchisMental]

I thought the whole purpose of an admin site was to discourse on what is seen as flaws.... you know, there is ALWAYS good with bad when people talk about scripts.
As I have said time and TIME again..... and apparently some folks are WELL too dense to recognize it. IPS offers a fantastic script, that in many ways exceeds much of what is on the market. And I think I was pretty clear when I stated I never understood why they wanted to play "Apple" in their marketplace, other than to try to make some extra monies. A resource manager similar to what XF offers and off-site transactions on the developers site would have been much better.
One simply needs to be aware of their past "history of promises and abandonment" on what they offer. I'll leave ya'll to blow smoke.... as apparently real world history shall be ignored and "fan-bois" commentary takes it's place. It's their business practices any person thinking about purchasing needs to weigh those historical trends/promises. And guess what... it's not limited to IPS. XF and their "ho-hum" updates and communications (actually lack thereof) is almost as bad.

The thing is though, you seem to have this viewpoint of it's my way or the highway. It is just fine to have differing opinions and to point out flaws in things. However you seem to debate until one is blue in the face. Just like with your debates with Aranator on open source software. You seem to feel that it just can't be as good as paid for software. You have every right to feel that way and I'd defend to the death your right to have that opinion. With that said though, you tend to take it a step further and continuously drill into people with your opinions when it's not really needed. The old phrase agree to disagree comes to mind. If you end up being correct about Invision so be it. It is what it is. Maybe you end up wrong and they do keep offering self host options for years to come at a decent price. Wouldn't that be a good thing? You are a very knowledgeable person and have your own mindset. I respect the hell out of that, but I feel like you can take your foot off of the gas pedal just a bit if that makes sense. I hope you have a great day and continue to have good discussions here on AdminJunkies.