What's your opinion?

[Scottler]

But James, since you're a designer and seller of payware, wouldn't your opinion be a little biased?  

[Tequila Sunrise]

If I want it and its worth it I'll buy it. Of course I'd still prefer them to be free though  ::)
Personally I don't see why some people get so worked up over it, the designers put a lot of time and effort into their models so why shouldn't they charge for it.

[Nexus]

Okay Mike..can you find me a better 737 than PMDGs?
Since I love the 737 so much I'd be very happy.

But the (freeware) model must include:

A fully functional VC
Accurate Smith's FMC (with the latest Update 10.5, effective from Jan 2003)...PMDG has modelled the previous 10.4....oh and the FMS system should be with dual FMC's.
Integrated TCAS system
functional IRS
Accurate flight behaviors
New improved fuel logic
Authentic air conditioning system (APU included)
A totally new autopilot design, true to the real 737

And the list goes on...THAT is way PAYWARE royally screws freeware, Mike. All the features, I could care less about the visual model since I never fly in the spot plane view anyway

[Scottler]

I'm 28.  The average age of a gamer is 29.

What does age have to do with anything?  

[Nexus]

[quote]I'm 28.

[Scottler]

No, I don't, because I'm 28, have a job, and can buy just about anything I want without asking anyone.

Secondly, there is a well known payware designer who is only about 13 years old.  So this kid not only buys it, but he builds it.

I stick with freeware not out of necessity, but out of pure passion.  Anyone can do something for a job.  But do it for no financial compensation, and that's where your passion is revealed.

[Nexus]

Let's just agree to disagree, ok?

I stick with payware because it offers me realism, the default 737 does not.
And mostly of the payware buyers are above 20 years of age. I have never met a team more passionate than some of the payware groups, they are so passionate about it so they have abandoned their regulars jobs so the can do what they love - designing aircrafts.
But you gotta make a living aswell...and I have no problems paying their salary when I know how much time and beta versions they have gone through. not to mention the 8hour shifts of customer service they do over the weekends...

[Scottler]

If you're saying that those who purchase aircraft add-ons is because of the quality of them, that's one thing.  But that has nothing to do with their age, as I have clearly pointed out.

With that said, there are many quality freeware design teams as well, which I mentioned in an earlier post.

But to attack someone personally with a comment like "kids like you" is not only unneccessary, but inappropriate as well.

[Nexus]

Yes it has Scotty.

So you think that most payware customers are below 15 years of age?
Falcon Six Two can tell you how hard it is to convince his parents to buy addon aircrafts for him.

So age DOES matter.

[Stormtropper]

Freeware...........Its easy on my wallet

Cheers
Jeff

[Wing Nut]

[quote]Okay Mike..can you find me a better 737 than PMDGs?
Since I love the 737 so much I'd be very happy.

But the (freeware) model must include:

A fully functional VC
Accurate Smith's FMC (with the latest Update 10.5, effective from Jan 2003)...PMDG has modelled the previous 10.4....oh and the FMS system should be with dual FMC's.
Integrated TCAS system
functional IRS
Accurate flight behaviors
New improved fuel logic
Authentic air conditioning system (APU included)
A totally new autopilot design, true to the real 737

And the list goes on...THAT is way PAYWARE royally screws freeware, Mike. All the features, I could care less about the visual model since I never fly in the spot plane view anyway

[Polynomial]

i like nice boxes with payware!

but freeware is good cuz after all it is . . . free? ? :S ? ?

[Paz]

 I have plenty of both, and love them equally.

[Hagar]

I would just like to add a few comments. I've been involved in the development of addons for all M$ sims (except CFS3) for the last 5 years. During this time I've had the honour & pleasure of working with some of the most talented designers on the planet. Every one is passionate about their own field & every one does this for pleasure not profit. They have never charged a penny for their vast contribution to our hobby. The only time this has happened is when some criminals have tried to profit from their efforts by stealing their work.

I & my colleagues spend months testing our creations before unleashing them on the public. Everything we do is the very best we are capable of at the time with all the latest features. If we charged a realistic price for the time involved nobody would be able to afford it or wish to buy it. Things move so fast these days that it's a job trying to keep up with the latest developments, some of which we have come up with ourselves.

I have nothing against payware per se, providing it's value for money & properly supported. It would have to be considerably better than the excellent quality freeware available these days which would be difficult. I've not tried any myself, except for design applications & utilities. There's good & bad in everything & some people have complained bitterly to me about addons they have paid for. Nobody is forcing you to buy it. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that something has to be better just because you pay for it. I can't think of any logical reason why the flight dynamics of an aircraft would be more realistic simply because someone charges for it.

PS. I would also like to point out that trying to cheat the few payware developers that do give good value for money is nothing more than software piracy - stealing. If you feel comfortable about it I don't want to know. Boasting about doing so is offensive to me & the majority of members of this forum.

PPS. Like Scott, I don't see what age has to do with this. I'm 61 years old & many of my colleagues won't see 50 again. One of the most talented FS aircraft designers I ever worked with was 14 years old when we first met.

[Scottler]

Nex sent me a PM and I just want to make it clear that I have no animosity towards him.  He's always been on my list of people here that I enjoy debating with, but that doesn't mean we always have to agree.

PS...Kevin...I LOVE that quote.  lol