I have to agree with the other comments here. A box might be handy for someone who happens upon it in a store and makes an impulse buy. But that's not how Sibelius users approach the software.
I was a Finale user for years and decided to switch. I didn't need to see the box to decide to do this; instead I downloaded a demo of Sibelius, read the facts on its website, read reviews in various magazines, etc. The research required to make a purchase decision of software is all done long before a box is considered. And I ordered it online, without seeing its box.
Having said that, I was impressed with the box when it arrived, and certainly found the hard copy manual to be a crucial help -- especially for someone like me who was making a switch in software. Still, the size of the box is a bit large, so why not go green!
Johan van Rensburg - 14 years ago
I've been using Sibelius since versio 2. I knew what I wanted before I went to buy. A smaller package is fine with me. I've noticed Sibelius reference books on the shelves without boxes.
Calude - 14 years ago
Do whatever with the packaging but the paper handbook is _the_ quality welcome to a new user
Calude
David Coscina - 14 years ago
I don't care about the packaging either. In fact, I prefer a single DVD box that I can store away in my safe when not in use. The box is still on my shelf but I wouldn't mind if those Avid folks re-packaged any future releases in an effort to help mother nature. :)
Although fancy, glossy packaging can make quite an impression, I think we need to consider our environment first. Besides, when you buy Sibelius, you know exactly what you want, and therefore don't need to be impressed by packaging. Why not go for a cheaper option, and perhaps mention that the packaging is made from recycled paper, with perhaps a funky but simple design?
Jim Winchell - 14 years ago
Sibelius 4 was purchased as a gift for me several years ago (I had, however, already done thorough research online and requested it specifically), so I cannot say that the packaging affected my decision to buy the product, however, when I received it, the first impression was very good, and I have to say I am pleased that I have kept the box as both a nice (albeit somewhat strange) shelf display and as safe storage for the reference book even after updating my software. I may be in the minority relative to the comments thus far, and in most other situations I would have to take their side as well, but in this instance I did appreciate the extra care and expense taken in packaging and showcasing the product.
Steve Philipp - 14 years ago
Bought online, couldn't care less about the packaging - Go Green!:/)
Earl Brinson - 14 years ago
I can empathize with the other comments regarding packaging since I'm also a repeat buyer and packaging is irrelevant to me now. But ... when I did a competitive upgrade from another software program years ago and received the boxed package, I must say it was impressive, what one would expect from an impressive software program. First impressions do make a difference. Sometimes its the little seemingly unimportant details that make the difference.
You should downsize the packaging to something very simple. How about a "raw cardboard" multi-folded CD case style, like Apple's recent software packages, or Verve's jazz CD rerelease packaging.
Sibelius is a product for a especific public. Its important to understand that is not a product that you use and discard as soon as you finish. Its more like a product that you have to know really well and then "marry with".
Because of that, I don't think the box play a part on the decision. Its not something that people buy when they see in a store and purchase by an impulse just because it look good. Without some google searches, foruns opinions, etc. no deal.
Just like you said, It's not the product.
And you have to remember that a lot of buyers are already users... so the box cares even less because they are already in love with Sibelius. And for these guys out there (like me), a cheaper product is always welcome.
The very first boxed version I purchased of Sibelius was 1.2! Since then, I've been upgrading. I now run version 6.2 and don't care what's on the box, or even if there is a box. I get the needed info from the Sibelius website (and your blog). If a lesser, smaller box would hold costs down and still have it arrive to the buyer in good shape, I'm all for it. A great product like Sibelius sells itself to its intended buyers and doesn't need a fancy, expensive box to help that effort.
I have to agree with the other comments here. A box might be handy for someone who happens upon it in a store and makes an impulse buy. But that's not how Sibelius users approach the software.
I was a Finale user for years and decided to switch. I didn't need to see the box to decide to do this; instead I downloaded a demo of Sibelius, read the facts on its website, read reviews in various magazines, etc. The research required to make a purchase decision of software is all done long before a box is considered. And I ordered it online, without seeing its box.
Having said that, I was impressed with the box when it arrived, and certainly found the hard copy manual to be a crucial help -- especially for someone like me who was making a switch in software. Still, the size of the box is a bit large, so why not go green!
I've been using Sibelius since versio 2. I knew what I wanted before I went to buy. A smaller package is fine with me. I've noticed Sibelius reference books on the shelves without boxes.
Do whatever with the packaging but the paper handbook is _the_ quality welcome to a new user
Calude
I don't care about the packaging either. In fact, I prefer a single DVD box that I can store away in my safe when not in use. The box is still on my shelf but I wouldn't mind if those Avid folks re-packaged any future releases in an effort to help mother nature. :)
Although fancy, glossy packaging can make quite an impression, I think we need to consider our environment first. Besides, when you buy Sibelius, you know exactly what you want, and therefore don't need to be impressed by packaging. Why not go for a cheaper option, and perhaps mention that the packaging is made from recycled paper, with perhaps a funky but simple design?
Sibelius 4 was purchased as a gift for me several years ago (I had, however, already done thorough research online and requested it specifically), so I cannot say that the packaging affected my decision to buy the product, however, when I received it, the first impression was very good, and I have to say I am pleased that I have kept the box as both a nice (albeit somewhat strange) shelf display and as safe storage for the reference book even after updating my software. I may be in the minority relative to the comments thus far, and in most other situations I would have to take their side as well, but in this instance I did appreciate the extra care and expense taken in packaging and showcasing the product.
Bought online, couldn't care less about the packaging - Go Green!:/)
I can empathize with the other comments regarding packaging since I'm also a repeat buyer and packaging is irrelevant to me now. But ... when I did a competitive upgrade from another software program years ago and received the boxed package, I must say it was impressive, what one would expect from an impressive software program. First impressions do make a difference. Sometimes its the little seemingly unimportant details that make the difference.
You should downsize the packaging to something very simple. How about a "raw cardboard" multi-folded CD case style, like Apple's recent software packages, or Verve's jazz CD rerelease packaging.
Sibelius is a product for a especific public. Its important to understand that is not a product that you use and discard as soon as you finish. Its more like a product that you have to know really well and then "marry with".
Because of that, I don't think the box play a part on the decision. Its not something that people buy when they see in a store and purchase by an impulse just because it look good. Without some google searches, foruns opinions, etc. no deal.
Just like you said, It's not the product.
And you have to remember that a lot of buyers are already users... so the box cares even less because they are already in love with Sibelius. And for these guys out there (like me), a cheaper product is always welcome.
The very first boxed version I purchased of Sibelius was 1.2! Since then, I've been upgrading. I now run version 6.2 and don't care what's on the box, or even if there is a box. I get the needed info from the Sibelius website (and your blog). If a lesser, smaller box would hold costs down and still have it arrive to the buyer in good shape, I'm all for it. A great product like Sibelius sells itself to its intended buyers and doesn't need a fancy, expensive box to help that effort.