Apple's App Store Screening Process is a Joke!

[dacreativeguy]

Anyone notice the crap that is getting posted... to the PAY APPS, no less!

iDemocrat
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=284948985&mt=8

iRepublican
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=284949188&mt=8

I thought Apple's reasoning for making the SDK a 'closed' system was to maintain the quality of the titles. After perusing the store, it is clear that a lot of 'developers' have spent more time designing the ICON for their app than the app itself! (some of the icons are gorgeous!)

Seriously, why would somebody spend $99 to join the Dev Connection and then post static screenshots of seemingly COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS??? And then why would Apple actually allow these 'developers' to charge for a waste of server space? One would think that Apple would strive to post the best apps that will generate money for them and interest in the platform.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Could have sworn they just opened it up.

 

[skubish]

Apple isn't guaranteeing the content only that the app won't break your iPhone, isn't hack tools, or isn't porno.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I agree that I don't see either one of those getting alot of sales. Kind of surprised that Apple let these in the store.

 

[DeaconGraves]

Seriously, why would somebody spend $99 to join the Dev Connection and then post static screenshots of seemingly COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS??? And then why would Apple actually allow these 'developers' to charge for a waste of server space? One would think that Apple would strive to post the best apps that will generate money for them and interest in the platform.

I'm pretty sure that both the Democratic and Republican parties don't mind someone spreading their logo.

As far as waste of server space, I believe the file size listed is 0.0MB?

 

[EricNau]

Those apps are indeed pretty disappointing.

However, I guess Apple has decided that any app that isn't explicitly illegal or indecent will be allowed. After all, no one is being forced to buy these apps, and Apple already heard such a commotion about their "closed" system that they're probably trying to keep it as open as possible.

 

[elppa]

Apple has to tread a very delicate line.

They can't reject stuff because it is not to their taste, they can only reject it if it doesn't meet their guidelines.

It has to be an objective, transparent process. Any subjective process would open them up to complaints and bad publicity.

If you don't like these “Applications”, don't install them.

 

[plumbingandtech]

And if they banned those apps people would be crying like two year olds that apple is CENSORING blah blah blah.

download them. or don't download.

It's called choice and apple is protecting yours and yet still gets a complaint thread.

 

[sharp65]

How is it crap? Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it won't get posted. There is obviously a very large queue to get apps approved to go on sale. There is probably a large group going over these apps and small apps like these don't take as long to approve. If you don't like it then don't buy it, it's a simple choice.

 

[rioja]

I think Apple would have hard time rejecting apps after developers have paid there $99 to put them in the app store!

I'm sure they know some won't sell, but it's nice to know that it's FINALLY open to take a crack at developing an app for the iPhone.... which it should have been since day 1. Plus the apps are safe for the phone.

 

[Niiro13]

Apple has to tread a very delicate line.

They can't reject stuff because it is not to their taste, they can only reject it if it doesn't meet their guidelines.

It has to be an objective, transparent process. Any subjective process would open them up to complaints and bad publicity.

If you don't like these “Applications”, don't install them.

Can't they reject cause of copyright material? Or am I missing that the logos for the Democratic and Republican party is public domain?

 

[EnderTW]

Can't they reject cause of copyright material? Or am I missing that the logos for the Democratic and Republican party is public domain?

heh.

Definitely public domain.

Why are people complaining about Apple allowing these types of apps in? How dare you ask Apple to be selective. Let them be objective and follow the guidelines, let the users decide. The developers just wasted 99 bucks because no one is going to download their crap.

"crap" is also subjective, one mans trash is another's treasure.

 

[Dipdip]

Speaking of trash, is anyone using Vecka?

 

[amysig]

Apple isn't guaranteeing the content only that the app won't break your iPhone, isn't hack tools, or isn't porno.

Exactly. Apple doesn't want to be in the business of judging the quality of the idea. They don't want to play editor...

Let the marketplace decide, as I'm sure it will for these "apps"...

 

[And5555]

heh.

Definitely public domain.

Why are people complaining about Apple allowing these types of apps in? How dare you ask Apple to be selective. Let them be objective and follow the guidelines, let the users decide. The developers just wasted 99 bucks because no one is going to download their crap.

"crap" is also subjective, one mans trash is another's treasure.

I concur.

Apparently, we need an iLibertarian, too. People complaining about Apple "allowing" these apps to be in the AppStore need to go read 1984 or watch V for Vendetta.

This area is one of my biggest complaints about Apple in general. Closing off a development platform in a "sandbox" format like little children discourages innovation. Note that some of the open source / open platform environments are some of the best (ie. Firefox is the best/fastest browser and has LOTS of extensions). While maintaining a balance between security and openness is important, the integrity check should really be limited to making sure that it doesn't screw up the rest of the platform.

Ever heard of capitalism? There's a great rating system in the AppStore, there's reviews and forums, and there's your personal interests; download what you want, and if enough people don't want to pay $10 for an app that got poor reviews, the developers might take a hint.

 

[DreamPod]

I can't think of *any* hardware manufacturer that has actively disallowed low-quality software on their platform since the NES. And even on the NES, Nintendo was fairly lenient.

 

[jalpert]

The Democrat app was so good I broke down and bought the Republican app as well....

 

[Dimwhit]

I could care less is lame apps make it to the store. I just wish it didn't take so long for new and updated apps to show up.

 

[PMB]

i agree it is a joke, but if only there was a priority ranking in the apps, upgrades first, then "good" apps, then crap like that