UPDATE after watching the Webinar Hoyin and Abi gave:
First: I appreciate you making the effort to do a webinar like this, specifically to your AppSumo base. That is really great. I did watch the whole video. Overall, it has not changed my nervousness, though. Probably for two main reasons:
(1) I purchased Remo T3 for running online events with our "Working with Street Children" global community, because all Remo's focus was on just that: running online events. Now your excitement to 'partner' with Events.com and get more into in-person and hybrid events, just is a dilution / distraction from what I need from Remo. So, it may be good for you, and for broadening your customer base, and for possibly making more profit/income as Remo, but it isn't of interest to me and my use case (and I guess that this is true for many AppSumolings who purchased Remo). I would want Remo to just improve the online event space (your strength).
(2) Still, despite lots of answers, the overarching feeling is: it is just too early to really know what is going to happen.
So, again: thank you for recording that webinar, and for your intent to do good to us AppSumo-lings. But still nervous for the intermediate / long-term.
Wishing you well!
Meindert
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Here are my thoughts on the likelihood of Remo continuing to honor its original features and terms, to AppSumo LTD buyers, longer-term:
Commitment to Lifetime Deals:
The message explicitly states that Events.com is committed to honoring lifetime deals. While this is reassuring, such statements can sometimes be subject to reinterpretation in the long term, especially when "updates" to terms and conditions are mentioned.
Team Continuity:
The promise that the current Remo team is transitioning to Events.com is a positive sign. Retaining the same engineering and support teams may mean the product won't lose its core identity immediately. However, teams may be reassigned or reduced over time as the acquiring company integrates its own systems and processes.
Expanded Product Possibilities:
Mergers may lead to new features and integrations, which could enhance the tool. However, this might also shift the focus toward Events.com's broader goals, potentially diluting Remo’s unique features or user experience.
Future Terms and Data Policies:
The reference to updating terms and data storage policies warrants attention. Such updates might introduce limitations or changes in how the product operates, especially for lifetime deal holders.
Common Patterns:
Acquisitions can lead to the "death" of the original product or significant changes. This aligns with a common pattern in the tech industry, where acquired products sometimes lose their niche appeal as they are rebranded or merged into a broader offering.
What Should You Do?
Assess Your Current Needs: If Remo fulfills a critical need for you now, it might be worth sticking with it. However, if you anticipate needing a reliable tool long-term and have concerns about its stability, consider seeking alternatives.
Likelihood of Original Features Being Retained
From the language of the announcement, the likelihood of significant changes increases over time. While the immediate future might hold stability (e.g., honoring lifetime deals and retaining the team), mid- to long-term changes are probable as Events.com aligns Remo with its broader goals.
Seeking a refund might be a prudent choice.
ADDITION:
What About Events.com’s History?
Events.com’s track record with acquisitions shows a pattern of integrating acquired tools into its broader platform. This often results in:
Rebranding or repurposing features to align with their ecosystem.
Prioritizing large-scale or enterprise users over smaller, niche markets.
Possible discontinuation of standalone products.
If these patterns hold, there’s a real risk that Remo will not retain its original identity or focus.