Apple has finally given the final word on their app store guidelines.
Well, not final. They can still do whatever they want to do.
But for many in the iOS development realm, it's nice to receive some clarification on what they are looking for, as well as to understand why there are so many hiccups in the approval process.
As part of their public statement, Apple was quoted as saying "We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don't need any more Fart apps."
As the developer of the now world-famous iFart Mobile, I have some thoughts on this.
A columnist from the San Jose Mercury News today asked me if I was offended that Apple singled out the niche that my app fell into.
I laughed because I love the attention.
But it made me realize a few things.
First of all, iFart is the world's best-selling app of it's kind. But due to our success, there has been an avalanche of copycat apps attempting to capitalize on our name.
(click image for full size view)
In fact, a number of competitor's apps have blatantly used the same name as ours!
(click image for full size view)
We were without a doubt the first to use the name "iFart", but Apple is Switzerland when it comes to legal disputes.
So unless I want to chase down other app makers for damages, I have to let their copycat apps coexist with mine.
And check this out. One app has been so blatant as to rip off our FART names!
Here's an original screen shot of iFart Mobile...
... and here's a screen shot from Fart Machine for iPad from the creative minds at Hurryforward Ltd. I have circled every name that is lifted from iFart Mobile.
(click image for full size view)
We report. You decide.
Here's the bottom line.
No other fart app has even come close to our success.
In fact, iFart is the only app that has consistently remained in the Top 100 of the Entertainment category since the app was released.
So what do I propose?
I agree that there is no need for more fart apps.
In fact, I think there are way too many.
Given the fact that the majority don't sell at all, and combined with the fact that other apps have copied our name AND our intellectual property, perhaps it would make sense for Apple to kick redundant apps out of the appstore.
I could see eliminating all but the top three to five apps in any novelty genre. It would probably clean up a good 25% or so of the appstore.
I'm not trying to stifle competition. Apple has said they don't want any more fart apps.
They also don't need any more iBeer apps... or fish pond apps.
But if a developer does something truly revolutionary in an already-crowded arena, I would encourage Apple to take a look and see if it is truly new and improved. If so, approve it regardless of whether or not there are similar apps.
I guess what we are looking for is a raised bar in the quality of apps.
Yes, I see the irony in my own comments.
But there is a huge difference in iFart which has a a clever interface with multiple original features and a plain old fart sound board with a generic interface.
I'm glad Apple has come out with their guidelines. You can read more about them at Engadget.com.
For some reason I get a picture of Allen Iverson at a press conference saying, "Were talking about practice...."
Were talking about Fart Applications, amazing that there is a fart niche.
The best thing about farts....they are always funny!
Hi Joel,
It's awful how Apple has allowed your intellectual property to be stolen and used. I completely agree with your assessment of the situation and your proposal. It's actually not about stifling the competition, it's about encouraging and rewarding creativity and original thought. If we had more people and companies doing that, I think we'd ALL be better off.
See you next week in Denver at JV Alert Live. It'll be nice to catch up with you & Dan.
Felicia
Let it be known, you have the best farts, Joel!
Is the iBurp industry taken?
Seriously, I wish I had thought of it, my hats off to you! (and waving in front of my face, to move the stink out!)
you are the guy
Personally I find the subject offensive. If it was set up as a intellectual idea, that would be fine. However, the young people of today do not need anymore disgusting encouragement.
Who cares about Apple anyways. The iPhone will be used for a paper weight one Droid is done with it.
Not wishing to sound offensive to the fairer sex but Carol misses the fact that fart humour is probably enjoyed but a majority of men for some reason. My Auntie Cath has always asseted that she has NEVER EVER let polly out of prison - even after a plate of beans... yeah right!!
The best part about iFart is that it also runs on my iPod, so you won't hear any bad words about the fun of it. I think Steve Jobs should remember Apple earns a commission for each iFart sold, and therefore it's a strange way to talk about a cash machine.
If quality was the only thing by which we could judge everything, we might end up with the best - but certainly penniless, and that would be far worse than allowing all applications, even the ones some might not like.
My 0.02$ on the matter anyway. :-)
There is nothing wrong with prank apps. I there always room for fun apps.
I got to see Joel Comm at the o2 arena in london late 2009 where he showed us the ifart app live on stage and the whole arena was in histerics. Can you imagine it, over 7,000 people wetting themselves with laughter, it was awesome.
He also went on to show us all the sort of income possibilities from creating iphone apps and the figures can be staggering. Fun apps tend to sell the most and ifart is evidence of that when it made $27,000 in one day on the app store alone. Well done Joel and thanks for the insight into the industry which i’m now promoting through my own wesite.