I've followed this discussion on a few different forums and blogs and keep seeing this Donncha | Wordskill guy pop up and complain. It seems like he's just trolling for the opportunity to bash the whole paid plugin idea. I really don't get it.

What's the deal? Did somebody steal his lucky charms? I mean, why all the complaining and readiness to sling mud? Did he have a plugin in the works and get beat to the punch or just pwned by Shopp or Gravity Forms?

I've seen him mention on other comments that it "waits to be seen" how these plugins do. From what I've read, he was even a beta tester for a couple of months on one plugin. You would think he would have had time to "see" something by now. If he hasn't, they why so quick to condemn?

The rest of us would really like to have a dialog about this without someone with a groundless series of complaints and hostile posturing. If you have a legitimate complaint, then spill it. If not, the solution is simple. If you don't like the idea, don't buy the plugins.. use the free ones and move on.

Personally, I like the idea of the paid plugins. I know that you get what you pay for, and the support and continuing development is worth the small price. It's a no-brainer.. one client job and the price is covered. From there, it's smooth sailing.