Yes, MOApp is represented on the brand new Mac App Store.
And in contrast to most other companies you don’t have to worry about MOApp Software (Apps) you already own and how to migrate them. I’ve decided to write new and extra Apps for the Mac App Store.
Set of four:
1. None of my existing applications would have passed the strict review guidelines.
2. I think (and hope) the Mac App Store is for the ‘average’ user having trouble to understand what the heck a DMG file is or how to update an app or even unsure what the difference between 10.5.8 and 10.6.6 is. And that the creative, passioned user will continue to support good quality software and all the little people creating it.
3. 40 percent for Apple - yes, that’s right 30 percent are US only! Here in Germany and in other countries it’s 40 and more - well, I have more visitors and purchases on a normal day on my own website than on the opening of the Mac App Store and with PayPal and FastSpring and my own server it’s about 10 percent I have to share.
4. I do care about good quality software and support. And all I can do is to encourage you to do the same. 99 cent for an App? Really? 4.99 for an App. Really? How much did you pay for your last Mac? Your last Starbucks Coffee? Your last car inspection? So, do you want to have new and good software in the future or are you happy with games, games, games and - well, games?
Marginal note: USD 79,- for Aperture? Well, add the 30 Percent and you have the same price as you would pay for the EDU Version of Lightroom. Aperture purchased thru the App Store is NOT for commercial use. They can do that. They get paid for - oh wait: it’s you paying 79 bucks for an Apple ad campaign!
Marginal note II: If you’re not in the Top 10 as a developer you can search for a second and third job to pay your bills. Period. Currently Top 7 in a category means one is selling about 7 Apps a day. Cut Apple’s 40 percent and you can feed your cat but will never be able to buy a new Mac or iPhone to improve your Apps…
In other words - Apps from MOApp you already own will not appear as ‘Installed’ and you don’t have to buy them again because they simply are not available on the Mac App Store. And I really hope this will stay that way!
And yes, I will continue to improve and update them as long as possible. And you could already install them on all your private Macs for years now and you never ever had to pay for an update long time before Apple invented it…
But that is simply not in my hands. It’s in your’s! It is as simple as that!
If my only chance to sell Apps in the future will be to use the App Store because you’re happy with it and all you want is games, games, games and - well, games - that’s fine with me. I can write books or music and Ubuntu is getting better and better…
Don’t get me wrong - I love what I am doing. And I love my Mac. I even like the Mac App Store. But for me a Mac is something to create. To create awesome stuff. Stuff as many of you create. Stunning websites, spanning books and articles. Gorgeous illustrations and photos.
Do you sell out your hard work for the lowest price possible?
That’s why we have a Mac!
Not for solely consuming cheap products.
But if you decide that it is all about consuming and gam…
- do I really have to repeat it?
One word on updates and support.
I treat every mail in my Inbox the same way. No matter if you already own one of my Apps or all of them or if you even did not downloaded a demo version yet. And I will treat feedback and support mails regarding one of my Mac App Store Apps the same way: try to answer them as fast as possible with only one goal in mind - to help.
But for Mac App Store Apps I can’t roll out updates the way I want and you’re used to. Many of you know it - if possible I can fix something within hours or days. This will never be possible for Mac App Store Apps. Period. And to point it out once again. Some still don’t know and understand it:
I do not know my customers from the iPhone or Mac App Store. No chance. But those from my own website and store I do know. I know where they landed on my site, what they have searched, what they have downloaded and what they have purchased etc. etc - and that’s all good to know. It only can improve quality and relationship…
And quality for a reasonable price is all that should matter. Matter to you.
And the question is not quo vadis Apple?
The question is always and will always be: quo vadis Apple user?
