How much would you pay for a Movietimes plugin for your Front-End?

**Sonicxtacy02** · 09-21-2010, 05:21 PM

I've been speaking to a media company about creating a software to display movie theater showtimes/information. As some of you may know, I am the creator of the old Movietimes plugin for RideRunner. The problem with that plugin was the data associated with it was illegally scraped from exterior sources. The company I'm dealing with, West World Media, provides movie theater showtimes, comprehensive details, trailers, AND ticket purchasing for over 35 countries worldwide. Based on some of their initial documents, the data is about as best as it can get, and they have a clear API.

The problem is the COST of the data. I do not yet have any figures, but i'm sure like with most things the more people that utilize the data the lower the cost per user. So much question is how much are you willing to pay for a plugin which will provide this data to your front end? RideRunner, Centrafuse, OpenMobile, and Android OS will surely be supported. Let me know so that i know whether to proceed. Simply vote in the poll and tell me your Front End of choice.

I should probably state that I am NOT looking to profit from the proceeds at all. I'm just trying to get something done because the requests for a plugin continue to come in, and honestly it bugs the bejesus outta me that my old plugin remains broken!

**RipplingHurst** · 09-21-2010, 06:34 PM

I have to admit I would pay very little, since most of the times I would use my iPhone or iPad anyway for that kind of stuff. It would be just to fix a broken functionality I was used to have and to add to the carputer capacity.

Now if it could download data and storage for offline retrieval automatically, that would make it worth a bit more *for me* (because then it would be useful even when I wouldn't be able to use the phone at all due to lack of coverage). Integration with calendar would worth it even more, NAV for directions, etc., would just add to the value in my view but it would not be necessary of course.

**Sonicxtacy02** · 09-21-2010, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by RipplingHurst

I have to admit I would pay very little, since most of the times I would use my iPhone or iPad anyway for that kind of stuff. It would be just to fix a broken functionality I was used to have and to add to the carputer capacity.

Now if it could download data and storage for offline retrieval automatically, that would make it worth a bit more *for me* (because then it would be useful even when I wouldn't be able to use the phone at all due to lack of coverage). Integration with calendar would worth it even more, NAV for directions, etc., would just add to the value in my view but it would not be necessary of course.

Offline options are being looked at. It really shouldnt be a problem because the data is received via .xml.

Calendar integration will be included. Navigation will also be included provided your nav engine provides api support or i can "hack" my way into inputing lat/lon

**Bugbyte** · 09-22-2010, 08:34 AM

You should probably discount my opinion since I would be unlikely to look up movie times in my car -I tend to plan ahead a little farther than that. Nevertheless, I would have a really hard time paying for information that is effectively an advertisement to find a place to spend my money. It seems a little out of whack that the Movietime folks want you to pay to distribute their information.

But it is what it is. I wouldn't care if I saw a static ad in conjunction with the movie listings to fund the cost, but I have lots of other free ways to look up movie times.

**Enforcer** · 09-22-2010, 08:42 AM

Innovation Grant???

**Sonicxtacy02** · 09-22-2010, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

You should probably discount my opinion since I would be unlikely to look up movie times in my car -I tend to plan ahead a little farther than that. Nevertheless, I would have a really hard time paying for information that is effectively an advertisement to find a place to spend my money. It seems a little out of whack that the Movietime folks want you to pay to distribute their information.

But it is what it is. I wouldn't care if I saw a static ad in conjunction with the movie listings to fund the cost, but I have lots of other free ways to look up movie times.

i agree with you 100%, thats why popular consensus (and payment) will determine if the development gets off the ground

Originally Posted by Enforcer

Innovation Grant???

Perhaps. Would certainly help with the up front expenses i'll have to incur just to receive the data. I still want alot more user opinion prior to that though.

**Heather** · 09-22-2010, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Enforcer

Innovation Grant???

Or i think we should try pitching Movie Times to share their data..as an experiment. I don't think Sonic should have to pay a licensing fee.

I am happy to get on a phone call and see what convincing i can do?

**SapporoGuy** · 09-22-2010, 09:32 AM

+1 Why would I want to pay for information that I could look up through another service for free?

If you really are considering this you should reverse the situation. The service should be paying for the customers that you bring them.

**Sonicxtacy02** · 09-22-2010, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Heather

Or i think we should try pitching Movie Times to share their data..as an experiment. I don't think Sonic should have to pay a licensing fee.

I am happy to get on a phone call and see what convincing i can do?

I'll keep you in mind.. I should be getting the email with a pricing model soon, just got off the phone with them bout an hour ago.

**RipplingHurst** · 09-22-2010, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

You should probably discount my opinion since I would be unlikely to look up movie times in my car -I tend to plan ahead a little farther than that.

I don't recall ever using RR's movie times (when it used to work) right before watching a movie. Usually I was making plans for a couple of days in advance and I happen to be in the car, usually talking with the nanny/parents/in laws over the phone.

Another advantage is that you can check out the trailers/posters in the big screen and share them in the car easier than on a 3" phone screen. It builds to the excitement, specially with kids.