Abobe's Year of Greed: 2013

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Adobe’s Greed: A Customer’s Perspective

Adobe, once a beloved name in creative software, has increasingly drawn criticism for prioritizing profits over its customers. In my opinion, the company’s shift to a subscription-only model displays its greed, leaving loyal users feeling exploited rather than supported. Below, I outline why Adobe seems more focused on feeding its bottom line than serving its customers.

The Subscription Trap

• Forced Commitment: Adobe’s move to the Creative Cloud subscription model in 2013 eliminated the option to buy perpetual licenses, locking users into recurring payments. Yes, the software was already expensive to begin with, but the subscription model was just another kick in the stomach. What was once a one-time purchase now drains your wallet monthly or yearly.
• No Ownership: You will own nothing and be happy...You no longer own the software you've paid for—if you stop subscribing, you lose all of your access. This feels less like a service and more like a ransom on 'your' own tools.
• Price Creep: Subscription costs have steadily risen over time, with little transparency or justification. For example, the full Creative Cloud suite now runs at $59.99/month, which is ridiculous for freelancers or hobbyists. Even if the increases are small, you have to remember that you do not get to own the software.

Neglecting Customer Needs

• Ignoring Feedback: Many users have begged for a return to perpetual licenses or more affordable tiered options, yet Adobe doubles down on its all-or-nothing approach. It’s as if customer voices don’t matter unless they align with the subscription agenda.
• Bloatware Complaints: Creative Cloud apps are often criticized for being resource-heavy and packed with features not everyone needs. Instead of offering leaner, customizable options, Adobe forces a one-size-fits-all package—maximizing revenue over usability.
• Students and Small Creators Suffer: While Adobe offers discounts for students, the pricing still feels predatory for those just starting out. A company that cared would provide more accessible entry points, not a $20/month Photoshop tax.

Profit Over Loyalty

• Killing Competition: Adobe’s acquisition of tools like Substance and Figma (pending as of 2023) suggests a strategy to monopolize the creative market, eliminating alternatives rather than innovating to earn loyalty.
• Cancellation Fees: Trying to escape the subscription? Good luck with that. Adobe slaps users with early termination fees, penalizing those who dare to leave. It’s a clear sign they value cash flow over customer freedom.
• Shareholder Focus: Adobe's market cap has surpassed $250 billion in recent years. Adobe’s decisions seem tailored to please investors, not the artists, designers, and photographers who built its reputation.

In my opinion, Adobe has proven that they're a company obsessed with its subscription model’s profitability. They do not care about the burden it places on customers. They are no longer a good company, greed has taken over, and the creative community deserves better than being treated as cogs in Adobe’s money machine.

Sources:

• Adobe announced the shift to Creative Cloud in May 2013, phasing out perpetual licenses for its Creative Suite (CS6 was the last version). Adobe Blog, May 6, 2013. https://blog.adobe.com

• Adobe’s licensing terms confirm that Creative Cloud access ends when a subscription lapses. Adobe Creative Cloud Terms of Use. https://www.adobe.com/legal/terms.html

• Adobe’s current pricing for the Creative Cloud All Apps plan is listed as $59.99/month on their official site as of March 2025. Adobe Pricing Page. Historical increases are noted in user forums and articles, e.g., a jump from $49.99 to $52.99 in 2019 [The Verge, April 15, 2019]. https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html