Thinking about pricing

I'm at the point where I need to finally nail in that pricing for launching hopefully next week at some stage, and I'm a little conflicted. So if you're reading, please let me know what you think.

During development I had a no limits on the amount of feeds you can have. The initial plan was to allow for 10 for free — however I am conflicted if I even should offer something for free. Sublime Feed is incredibly niche, yet incredibly cool — I think it's a much better way to consume your content without wanting to scratch your eyes out on the amount of "unread" you had — just a moment in time, where you're present, not trying to tick that virtual meaningless, stress inducing, box.

As an aside, I was testing OPML exports and imported it into a feed reader app... and all over a sudden I had over 3000 unread articles — no thank you! Total madness! Why???

OK, so back on topic — I was thinking of starting at $3/month, with a yearly option. Part of me thinks that's a little too cheap for what it is, but then again, maybe it's too much. Another price point was my usual $5/month, however I think it's a little bit too expensive right now. However considering this is quite niche as is, maybe it's a good price point.

Like with my other projects, I want to offer a lifetime plan also — let's say $200 once. When I teased about bringing  a self hosted version of Scribbles the other day, it was my intention to bring that across to all my projects also (although it's going to be a lot of work). I know a lot of folks would like to self host.

So the question is, do I even offer a free plan (up to 5 or 10 feeds)? Or make it a trial? I do like the idea of a few feeds for free, and then see if you like it and see if it sticks. Especially with embracing the JOMO (Joy of missing out).

I had some incredibly kind feedback from a few folks that really love this direction — and I am so thankful. As most things, I usually cater for my own needs first, so it's really nice to see others enjoying it.

I do thing there are some missing features right now, for example an API endpoint, so other feed readers could implement support if they wanted to — although I would have to put in a special clause that says "Don't EVER show an unread count when using the Sublime Feed API" 😅 Of course I am aware that some people just like it — no idea why 🤪. I am a completionist, but all things are happening in my head for most part.

With that in mind, perhaps I increase the price as features get implemented... and grandfather everyone for when they signed up. Who knows...

My ideal target for income would be around $200/month, and anything extra would be well received of course.

Anyway, that's all I have right now. Hopefully will be launching in December at some stage, so stay tuned. I think it's "good enough" for my own needs right now, and that is what matters.