[rckclmbr]

Space Monkey employee here, although I wasn't the one that created the subscription rules(I'm a software dev).

* For people who bought the Kickstarter, Space Monkey technically owns the device. We realized this isn't what most people wanted or expected, so if you buy on the site today, YOU own the device.

* In my opinion, yes.

* From a statistical standpoint, most people understood they were leasing the device and were happy we offered an upgrade. The ones who thought they owned the device are upset. We're trying hard to do everything we can to make our customers happy (while still staying in business)

* We want our customers to be happy, if that means refunding you.

* I can't answer that for certain, but I would say do whatever makes you happy.

[gregd]

It would have made more sense for KS backers at the $99 level and up, simply own the device now. As it stands, I can visit the site and pay $199 for said device (ownership) and it comes with the 1 year of service. Quite honestly this whole debacle has left me with a sour taste in my mouth and I highly doubt I'll be renewing when my year is up, especially given that I have to pay $149/year I believe..

[rckclmbr]

$99 KS is a great deal. Device ownership costs more upfront, but cheaper long term. There's really three options for you:

1. $99 + $120/year (not $149). First year is free.

2. $99 + $79 (upgrade) + $49/year. First year is free. We included 6 months additional service with this offer.

3. Return $99 device, pay $200 up front + $49/year. First year is free. This is basically #2, but more expensive, and no 6 months free.

[kubiiii]

There is a huge gap between the yearly fees of option 1 & 2. I might miss something but if the business model was based on ~ $10/month/user how come it is still viable with ~ $ 4?

[zeeboo]

When you lease the device if the hardware fails then Space Monkey replaces it. If you own the device and it fails outside of the 1yr warranty, then you have to replace it. The difference is about recouping hardware costs over the lifetime of the device.

[_mikz]

This should be written in the email they sent out! Thanks for clarification.

[zeeboo]

You'll either be paying $10/month or $49/year. Those are the only two subscription models the company has ever offered for a 1TB device.

[kubiiii]

I was wondering why people wanted to own a device that would be useless without the rest of the solution.

[the_paul]

We (Space Monkey) intend to make the device usable on its own, without the Space Monkey service, for people who purchase the device and don't want to continue the service. It's unclear as yet how close we'll be able to get it to a turnkey NAS solution, but at least it'll have Linux installed and you'll be able to SSH to it, use the drive, install whatever software you need, etc.

[kubiiii]

Great answer. It drives me (midly) mad to see overspecialized gear being produced such as asics miners and such. Promoting reuse is a good approach.

[jrs99]

Whenever I don't need something, I actually do pack the item back up and drive down to the UPS store and ship the product back to the company. It is a waste of resources and rare metals and stuff like that. Everything should be recycled.

If I leased some security technology, I wouldn't mind getting a used one if it were cleaned and worked well.