Losing loyalty

Toon Boom stopped selling perpetual licenses, and animators are furious.

It’s understandable:

• A distressed market is hurting financially
• Most of the market is powered by indie productions
• Most saved up for years to afford the tool
• Many fear they can’t afford the subscription plan
• Many vocal supporters feel betrayed

The gains in ongoing fees from users, may come at the cost of advocacy, support, and loyalty.

As someone who runs a Harmony and Storyboard Pro studio, it’s a shame to see.

We can only hope it doesn’t go the Adobe route: a brand we all loved in 2005. We bought every creative suite update we could afford as a vote of support. And now? A necessary evil in the creative world we’ve mostly lost hope in ever turning a corner, returning to advocating for creatives again.

Advocacy, support and loyalty are rare, delicate things. They’re given to brands that show they care.

It’s worth pursuing, and holding onto if you’re lucky enough to get it.