Actually, Reaper's license expires after 2 major version steps, that is, if you purchase a license when the major version is x (currently it is 6.75) then you're licensed to use it until x+1.99 (now it would be 7.99).
Not to detract anything from Reaper's value: its license is one of the best everywhere, the cost is very affordable and the unlicensed product isn't crippled like others around. I have been licensed a while ago, and plan to purchase a new one as soon as I get back to making music. I would love a crowdfunding initiative to buy it from the creators with the purpose of open sourcing it, but the product quality is so high that even if possible it would likely cost a fortune.
I think regarding it as a one-time payment for individual use with free upgrades within the current and next major version is a reasonable use of the term 'one-time payment' in that while you can't upgrade any further after that the software still keeps working.
It seems to me that 'free upgrades forever' is honestly not a wise idea if you want to develop for your actual users rather than having to constantly try and attract more because any existing user will never pay you again.
So while I'm glad you mentioned the specifics, I don't think the 'Actually,' at the start was really deserved. (plus in general the quality of comments on the internet starting with 'Actually,' is terribad and what followed it in your case came as a welcome and pleasant surprise ;)
> It seems to me that 'free upgrades forever' is honestly not a wise idea if you want to develop for your actual users rather than having to constantly try and attract more because any existing user will never pay you again.
Funny you should mention that... Another one of those editors, FL Studio, has exactly that business model. It's not as cheap as a Reaper license, but they do advertise "free upgrades forever" and they're somehow in a good enough position that they bought out both Melda and UVI recently (the latter looks like a pretty big player in the software synth space).
The C-suite philosophy there is that new people are constantly entering both the hobby and business which is...well, entirely correct really. Honestly I'm glad that it's working out for them because it's an incredibly honest way of doing business, even if I don't use their software myself due to a couple long-standing limitations that hopefully they'll address soon.
I imagine a big portion of imagelines (FL studio) is through the extras they sell. You pay once for the software, but then you buy new sound packs and VSTs. It is a good model.
For Reaper's release schedule this is actually fantastically generous. I bought my license 6 years ago and it's still valid. I'm sure I only have a year or so left, but $60 for 7 years seems VERY fair.
I think the license lasts forever. You can use the version you bought (plus the upgrades promised at the time of purchase) forever. That's why the site continues to host older downloads.
If your right to use the software expired after some amount of time, then that would be closer to a subscription.
Two major versions is very generous. I wouldn't expect even a single free major upgrade to be honest, that's how it usually goes. Maybe a discount for existing customers.
