My experience over the last year using Fences 5 (subscription) has been underwhelming, especially given that its annual subscription price now matches what used to be a permanent license fee.
I think is an understatement saying I'm a veteran user of Fences. I've been here from the absolute start, since the first version. More than a decade back now. In fact, Fences was the first PC software (besides games) ever I was like "Yeah, I can pay for this software, it is worth it!"
I'm not happy with the new value proposition: 37€ for a permanent license. If I recall correctly, previous full price was around $10, with upgrades often costing half of that. From my perspective, the only new feature in Fences 5 that I actually use is that icons can't appear underneath fences, which is convenient, but nowhere near worth four times the original price.
That is why I decided to pay for a one year subscription instead, that today finished.
After the year I'm... unimpressed. Its not really the dev's fault though, I mean, there is only so much you can do with the software's concept, it already does what I wanted it do and have 0 use for the new features.
Out of curiosity, I wanted to see how much my 8 bucks were worth, so I downgraded to my permanent license of Fences 4 to see the difference. In practice, nothing really changed for me. Icons once again appear under fences (annoying), and when you move fences, icons aren't pushed around anymore. On the plus side, a bug that caused icons to bunch up on scaled up displays is gone. And that's it.
I'm still on the fence (๐นโฟ๐น) about subscribing again. If I do, it won't be because I think Fences 5 is worth it, but mostly to support the developers and make sure we keep getting versions that work with future Windows versions.
But, when factoring in inflation, the current subscription is about double the cost of previous permanent license upgrades. I'd pay an inflation upgraded price, plus an extra on top if it really includes many new features for an upgraded Fences, but 37€? No way.
I wanted to share my frustration about the "new" pricing and, to be honest, voice my disgust (which I know many users share) at how subscription-based models are creeping into software like this.
Hello,Sorry to hear you are having issues. And, I understand your frustration. But, do consider and look into how Windows 11 has change over the years causing incompatibility issue popping up almost every update. Recently, as an example, with Windows 11 24H2 update, the Fences "Win+Space" key no longer work for Fences 4. Fences 5 need to be updated to keep up with Windows changes. And, as a software developer, it need resources to keep developing and keeping up with Windows 11.
Thank you.Basj,Stardock Community Assistant.
I do understand that, I think it just isn't for me anymore, since I installed Fences 3 and really didn't miss any features either. I really only want the fences... and a way to restore my icons positions, anything else is a nice to have, but really never used it in a decade.
I think I will just stay in Fences 4, since its my last permanent license. If or when it breaks, I will consider upgrading again, or swapping to some open source alternative.
I will keep supporting you guys on your other great software though, as long as it isn't subscription based.
Cheers.
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