Seems like Tapbots has passed on its problems with Twitter tokens to its potential customers by charging an unrealistic price for software.

As a user, why would I spend twice as much for a piece of software that doesn't offer any immediate advantage over what I'm already using? Seems like a purchase of Tweetbot/Mac is a purchase on principle, not on practicality.

They are essentially operating on the Audi principle. By charging more, we create an exclusivity that attracts those who want to have the status of using the product, regardless of how much value it has compared to its competitors.

Not sure I agree with that. The experience of driving an Audi is also much better than that of a Honda or Toyota. When I buy an Audi, I'm getting demonstrably more for my money.

Also, you don't have to broadcast your use of an Audi. You just drive it and people see. A user who buys Tweetbot has to actively pursue the perception "exclusivity" because no one can see them using it.

I haven't looked at competitors and their prices, but I think Tapbots would have been better off just keeping quiet about their pricing. Their explanation sounds whiney.

Still, what are they supposed to do, lose money on it? Or even worse, abandon their investment?

And to answer the topic's title: a thing is worth whatever people are willing to pay for it.

I think you nailed it, @evanosherow. I think my biggest issue is that Tapbots have tried to convince me to pay extra money because of their profit problems, not because the app benefits ME in any way. Business challenges should not be paid forward to customers.

Yeah, they should have just (over-)hyped Tweetbot as the very best and charged $20. Let people believe the price is high because it's good and not because Twitter is being difficult.

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