Reefbreeder Paywall Feature good or bad?

[fish_collector]

Did you delete this post? If so, why? I ask because I see your original comment in email. Thanks.

I was in the middle of an edit and was summonsed for a crisis at work so I just deleted the whole thing.

My post was regarding a grey area with the meridian lights and whether or not they will function without the use of the app or an internet connection to the RB server. In other words if RB goes belly up (hypothetically) will these lights remain functional.

I also said these poll threads always go south and if they are really good for the forum.

 

[VintageReefer]

I was in the middle of an edit and was summonsed for a crisis at work so I just deleted the whole thing.

My post was regarding a grey area with the meridian lights and whether or not they will function without the use of the app or an internet connection to the RB server. In other words if RB goes belly up (hypothetically) will these lights remain functional.

I also said these poll threads always go south and if they are really good for the forum.

You can control them with this, manually, forever, and not need an app or internet connection at all. It even has schedules with 8, 10 and 12 hour timers with ramp up/down built in.

I think it’s funny that the only button on the controller, is named “button”

You will also be able to control them via Bluetooth, without internet.

 

[Marco_99]

You can control them with this, manually, forever, and not need an app or internet connection at all. It even has schedules with 8, 10 and 12 hour timers with ramp up/down built in.

I think it’s funny that the only button on the controller, is named “button”

You will also be able to control them via Bluetooth, without internet.

I may be mistaken, but don’t you have to buy your Meridian’s with the optional extra cost “button” or do they all come with manual controls

 

[SpSDrew]

I may be mistaken, but don’t you have to buy your Meridian’s with the optional extra cost “button” or do they all come with manual controls

It’s separate to purchase.

 

[fish_collector]

I may be mistaken, but don’t you have to buy your Meridian’s with the optional extra cost “button” or do they all come with manual controls

Oh you want to drive it? The ignition key is extra

 

[Marco_99]

It’s separate to purchase.

Yeah, I thought they were like a $50 add-on. I know this because at one time I was actually gonna buy a set of bars and a light with the bigger power supply. That is until I saw how they handled their first app fiasco lol

 

[VintageReefer]

Oh you want to drive it? The ignition key is extra

Comes with everything you need to drive it. Things like wanting to buy an extra fob as a backup

 

[VintageReefer]

I may be mistaken, but don’t you have to buy your Meridian’s with the optional extra cost “button” or do they all come with manual controls

It’s an option. They did include them as a free bonus for a short period of time

 

[royaleFork]

I do have a question for those that say this is ok, at what point is it not ok for you? I assume no one wants to pay a monthly fee to anyone but their electric company for their lights, but at what point are the features not worth a monthly payment?

 

[slingfox]

I assume the net financial impact of this subscription scheme will be a net negative for Reef Breeders. I now have zero interest in purchasing anything firm Reef Breeders. I assume I am not alone with that stance.

 

[VintageReefer]

I do have a question for those that say this is ok, at what point is it not ok for you? I assume no one wants to pay a monthly fee to anyone but their electric company for their lights, but at what point are the features not worth a monthly payment?

I don’t think any form of reoccurring payment is worth it to me.

If it was an optional, small, one time charge to unlock newly developed features…maybe more people would get on that boat.

Many people want acclimation mode. If it was an option like:
Unlock Acclimation mode 5$

If it was like that, and truly a one time charge, it would be easier to live with.

 

[Zuluuz]

I fear this is just the start of a snowball problem that would require subscriptions just to keep my coral alive. I own a lot of meridians too and debating keeping or switching to ATI at this point.

Honestly the premium features are basic features anyways. Next will there be a fee to run my lights at 100% or else I only get them at 80% like RB does with their manual or WiFi bars?

Regardless the general consensus is that RB made a horrible business move with this premium subscription and will likely see an impact of future buyers thinking twice before purchasing their next light.

I so regret not going with the stratons but noo I wanted to help the “little guy”…

 

[exnisstech]

Many people want acclimation mode. If it was an option like:
Unlock Acclimation mode 5$

Now that we have an intensity slider is an acclimation mode really needed? I guess if you don't have two minutes every so often to increase the intensity its a problem. Sure its a convience but now that there's an intensity slider I don't feel an acclimation mode is a big deal. Maybe I'm odd or am missing something that acclimation mode offers?

 

[Marco_99]

Now that we have an intensity slider is an acclimation mode really needed? I guess if you don't have two minutes every so often to increase the intensity it’s a problem. Sure it’s a convience but now that there's an intensity slider I don't feel an acclimation mode is a big deal. Maybe I'm odd or am missing something that acclimation mode offers?

I think the only big use for acclimation mode is switching a different brand or style of light on top of stable existing corals. It can be useful, but your light adjustment is so minimal over such a period of time that it’s probably a moot point. You’re talking probably like a percent a day in most acclimation modes, where you could bypass the percent a day and probably go 4-5% a week manual like every Friday if you wanted.

I guess the biggest point is if the lights are capable of doing it and it’s a thing, it even shows how petty it is to lock it behind a paywall . It’s so basic and not that relevant that it shouldn’t even demand a price point to unlock.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Now that we have an intensity slider is an acclimation mode really needed? I guess if you don't have two minutes every so often to increase the intensity its a problem. Sure its a convience but now that there's an intensity slider I don't feel an acclimation mode is a big deal. Maybe I'm odd or am missing something that acclimation mode offers?

This argument could be made ad infinitum. Dont have an intensity slider? Why be so lazy? Just add 30 layers of mesh screen and peel one away every day.

The blunt truth is concenience is convenience. And the technology thats bemoaned here is WHY we buy these things. Otherwise, we'd still all be using halides.

Honestly (and I have no dog in this fight), from everything I have been able to find and have been told, it appears acclimation mode was teased for a long time, with no real indication that it would be an additional expense, until very recently. Any attribute, when dangled as a feature , but later offered as a purchase item, is going to be sour grapes.

 

[NeutronMan]

The way I see it is that manufacturers need to keep innovating if they want to remain competitive. These fixtures are all using the same LED and driver technology, so what are they doing to stand out?

If you have to charge extra for something like “activation mode” when a competitor doesn’t, you might lose a sale.

If you can’t make a profit without charging extra (enough to lose out to your competitors), then it’s game over for you. That’s business.

In the end, I just care about quality and cost. If you’re the most expensive game in town then you better be the best by a mile.

 

[killerkukoo]

Thank you!!

id be interested in learning more about those