I can see how that is true for some kinds of software. For many examples, network effects don't matter. The first license I can remember paying for was Metafiz

I can see how that is true for some kinds of software. For many examples, network effects don't matter. The first license I can remember paying for was Metafizzy's 'Isotope', a jQuery layout plugin. Great documentation and performance. I can't remember the price at the time, maybe $40 (now it ranges from $25 - $320). It was totally worth it, I was making money and clients were happy. https://isotope.metafizzy.co/license.html https://isotope.metafizzy.co/license.html