Eight people purchase "I am Rich"

[MacGeek7]

Apple couldn't pull it down before curious aristocrats -- eight of them -- had purchased it. Six people from the United States, one from Germany and one from France dropped a grand for the gem in the first 24 hours it was available, Heinrich said. That's $5,600 in revenue for Heinrich and $2,400 for Apple, which collects 30% of each sale for "store upkeep."

Here's the link to the story http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/08/iphone-i-am-ric.html

The developer made $5,600 from those 8 purchases...

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

LA Times reports (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/08/iphone-i-am-ric.html) that eight individuals bought the $999.99 I am Rich application (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/05/are-you-rich-buy-this-999-99-iphone-app/) from the App Store before it was pulled off the store.

The developer states he does not know why Apple removed the application Heinrich, a German software developer, has yet to hear back from Apple concerning the removal. "I have no idea why they did it and am not aware of any violation of the rules to sell software on the App Store," Heinrich said in an e-mail with The Times today.According to Heinrich, six people in the U.S., one from Germany and one from France bought the $999.99 application. This brought Heinrich $5600 in net revenue.




Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/07/8-people-bought-999-99-i-am-rich-app/)

[Mudbug]

next up for sale: "I'm a sucker" for $999

[swb1192]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

LA Times reports (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2008/08/iphone-i-am-ric.html) that eight individuals bought the $999.99 I am Rich application (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/05/are-you-rich-buy-this-999-99-iphone-app/) from the App Store before it was pulled off the store.

The developer states he does not know why they removed the applicationAccording to Heinrich, six people in the U.S., one from Germany and one from France bought the $999.99 application. This brought Heinrich $5600 in net revenue.




Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/07/8-people-bought-999-99-i-am-rich-app/)

I'm 99.99% sure that when he called the App "I am Rich," he was referring to himself! (He earned $5600 for... what? Downloading the SDK?)

[HaroldC]

it never ceases to amaze me how many idiots there are out there......

[tonyeck]

Haha, I wonder how many were like, "oh look at this funny app for $999.99... oh crap I pressed the buy button"

[Superdrive]

I don't care who you are....


That's funny right there.

[Sun Baked]

Can't wait for "I Am Rich 2" with improved artwork featuring Steve the Bobblehead, with realistic sounds and head movement using the accelerometers.

[CP1091]

The developer was smart. Talk about making a quick 6 grand..

[xix]

it never ceases to amaze me how many idiots there are out there......

Apparently, there are eight.

[rstone3]

Haha, I wonder how many were like, "oh look at this funny app for $999.99... oh crap I pressed the buy button"

I'll bet you are right and that's why it was pulled - 6 out of the 8 were trying to impress their girlfriends and accidently bought it. I'll bet the developer won't make very much after all.

[tothelimit]

Haha, I wonder how many were like, "oh look at this funny app for $999.99... oh crap I pressed the buy button"

its funny you say that.. i read a thread earlier today from a guy who said he did EXACTLY that. he said he saw it on there and thought it was some sort of joke so he clicked it. turned out he had 1 click buy turned on and was stuck with it. he was asking for advice on contacting apple about a refund/charge back.

[WillJS]

Even if Apple did pull it, he still won.

[DreamPod]

I'll bet you are right and that's why it was pulled - 6 out of the 8 were trying to impress their girlfriends and accidently bought it. I'll bet the developer won't make very much after all.

Why wouldn't the developer make any money? 8 people bought it, end of story. There are no returns with the App Store, no saying "I accidentally bought it" and getting your money back. Otherwise people would buy Monkeyball, play it a few days until they were tired of it, and then demand their money back.

Not to mention, I dunno about anyone else, but when *I* buy something from the store, either on the device or in iTunes, it asks me for my password. *And* it asks if I'm sure I want to make the purchase.

[pianoplayer1]

*****There are no returns with the App Store, no saying "I accidentally bought it" and getting your money back. Otherwise people would buy Monkeyball, play it a few days until they were tired of it, and then demand their money back.*****

Thats exactly what people do - the only disadvantage is that you don't get updates. I did that for crash since its a bit laggy. I just complained that the shopping cart doesn't work.

[godfreyhk]

I'll bet you are right and that's why it was pulled - 6 out of the 8 were trying to impress their girlfriends and accidently bought it. I'll bet the developer won't make very much after all.

Hey even if it's just $100 he already get his membership for free :eek:

I wondered why I didn't think of that before... I thought about writing some kind of apps for iphone but then I figured I'd have to learn objective-c first. But then.. I am pretty sure this app is just drag-and-drop in xcode... should have done that :(

[bigm978]

it was probobly a little kid on there parents account and their parents credit card who thought it would be cool and at the end of the month when they get the bill they are gonna be upset:D

[nanofrog]

Well, it's only artwork. $5600 for a few hours work? Likely 'Not Bad', from his POV. :eek:
Those that bought it might check out their next purchase more carefully. ;) :p

[ayasin]

Thats exactly what people do - the only disadvantage is that you don't get updates.

Thats exactly what people do who lack morals. Fixed that for you. They have a word for lying to get money/stuff.

[ayasin]

I say let him keep the money. These people knew exactly what they were getting, no one was tricked into buying it. Yes it's a retarded app and it should be called "I'm a jackass" but he didn't lie in his description or violate the terms of the SDK.

[Daiden]

Honestly, if those people are stupid enough to give their money away, then they don't deserve to have it. Good job to the developer for taking advantage of the stupid among us out there.

[deannnnn]

Lol that is absolutely incredible.

Somebody should make a free 'I Am Rich' ripoff app and really piss off the 8 people that bought the real one.

[sushi]

Let's see, the app:
Was clearly listed.
Did not violate any rules.
was purchased by 8 individuals.

Why is it still not listed on the app store like this?

[TimJim]

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.

[Iggy]

Good lord.

[weaponofgod]

I don't get why everyone is so up in arms about the app. People calling the buyers idiots for buying it. Lets not forget a lot of people call us Apple users idiots for paying the high premium to use Apple products. I say let the buyer spend their money as they please.


ps: If you want to be mad at anyone be mad at Apple for pulling apps for no reason. Its fine until its your favorite little app they pull.

[ay98182]

I am so desperate to get this application, I would pay three times the original price.

Its art, and its brilliant. Not everything you pay for has to have an application. Screw practicality.

In the words of Werner Herzog "money is cowardly" - if you have it coming out of your ears why not spend it...as Jobs once said "who want to be the richest guy in cemetery". I say you only live once.

[gcmexico]

only 8 people bought the App? I honestly thought it would be more!!! I guess the economy is bad in the U.S.

[IJ Reilly]

Now if you want to spend a lot of money on worthless software, you're stuck with Windows Vista.

[TalkAboutApple]

I'm not nearly as jealous as I am of the guy who did the "million pixel homepage" a few years back. These ideas come around once in awhile that are brilliant and/or stupid, but mostly instantly profitable.

[bretm]

The thing has probably tripled in value now since there are only eight copies of it. Now it's a limited edition. My phonesaber app is worth 10 times what I paid for it now that it's been pulled.

[eff pc]

you want a free 'I am Rich' app...take a screenshot of the screen shot (which according to one poster is still on there) and crop it down to just the screen shot of the so called "app" and save it put it on the web somewhere and have a link to it on ur iphone/touchs homepage. boom ur rich in a total of like 2 minutes

[EricNau]

Let's see, the app:
Was clearly listed.
Did not violate any rules.
was purchased by 8 individuals.

Why is it still not listed on the app store like this?
Probably for the same reason you don't see Walmart selling $1,000,000 T-shirts. Sure, they might get lucky and sell a few, but overall it reflects poorly on the business.

[P-Worm]

I am so desperate to get this application, I would pay three times the original price.

Its art, and its brilliant. Not everything you pay for has to have an application. Screw practicality.

In the words of Werner Herzog "money is cowardly" - if you have it coming out of your ears why not spend it...as Jobs once said "who want to be the richest guy in cemetery". I say you only live once.

I'm sorry it got pulled before you got to buy it. I'll make an identical application if you pay me the money.

P-Worm

[Billy Boo Bob]

It seems odd that Apple would let it pass the scrutiny test before making it available in the store. You would think that somebody that looks these things over would have seen that it was a scam.

[Randman]

$5,600 off the stupidity of some people. I like that.

[D4F]

Probably for the same reason you don't see Walmart selling $1,000,000 T-shirts. Sure, they might get lucky and sell a few, but overall it reflects poorly on the business.

Like how??
I got $1K I want to spend. Bam. I spend it... Where do you see bad reflection on business??
Now you want to tell others what to do with their money?

I bet you would DIE to have enough $$ to say **** it lol i will buy that stupid app and give that poor guy that did it some profit for being funny.

Now does that hurt your feelings that you're stuck with ****** job and can't afford to do what ever stupid things come to your mind??

People are so intrusive those days. Look at yourself and let others do WTF they want.

[tk421]

Now if you want to spend a lot of money on worthless software, you're stuck with Windows Vista.

:D Best comment of the day.

[sushi]

only 8 people bought the App? I honestly thought it would be more!!! I guess the economy is bad in the U.S.
Well, since it was new and was pulled we probably did not see the full potential of sales.

Now if you want to spend a lot of money on worthless software, you're stuck with Windows Vista.
Snort!

Probably for the same reason you don't see Walmart selling $1,000,000 T-shirts. Sure, they might get lucky and sell a few, but overall it reflects poorly on the business.
Sorry, but I disagree.

Life is full of choices. Obviously, 8 folks thought that this app was a good choice for their hard earned money. Who are we to question it?

WalMart could sell million dollar shirts if they wanted. FYI, many millionaires shop at WalMart. However, the millionaire type that shops at WalMart would not be the kind to purchased a million dollar T-Shirt.

Like how??
<snip>
Agree.

[maxjg]

Wasn't Apple supposed to be filtering out crap like this?

[EricNau]

Like how??
I got $1K I want to spend. Bam. I spend it... Where do you see bad reflection on business??
Now you want to tell others what to do with their money?

I bet you would DIE to have enough $$ to say **** it lol i will buy that stupid app and give that poor guy that did it some profit for being funny.

Now does that hurt your feelings that you're stuck with ****** job and can't afford to do what ever stupid things come to your mind??

People are so intrusive those days. Look at yourself and let others do WTF they want.
It has nothing to do with my personal feelings; you could burn your money for all I care (I have more important things to worry about, believe it or not). However, there's a reason why credible businesses don't take advantage of their customers: it's bad for business.

By selling this app through the app store, it reflects poorly on Apple, and in-turn, loses them sales. In addition, it is also likely to cause them problems, in the case of those who accidentally make this purchase and refute the charges with their credit card company.

It's just like the "magic" bowl of alphabet soup on ebay that sold for $7,000 dollars: it was a fair business transaction, but in allowing transactions of that nature to take place, ebay loses some respect as a legitimate auction company.

[superknoppix]

does anyone actually know what the app did??? Maybe it deactivates nukes or hacks into the cia mainframe or something.:cool:

[pr5owner]

Now if you want to spend a lot of money on worthless software, you're stuck with Windows Vista.

except you need vista to play DX10 games but your a mac user so i guess you dont play games except for maybe.. EA's harry potter?

i think it was wrong of apple to pull that program, he didnt really do anything wrong, its no diffrent than people on ebay listing the iphone for $1200+ dollars. people will still pay for it and be happy.

hell people though that $600 was the biggest rip off ever for a phone that could barely keep up to a regular dumb phone but look how many people bought it?
look at the macbookair, what a rediculous joke, but the guy at my work bought 2.

its not really anyones decision to tell you were your money goes. if people want to be dumb and throw money away let them, what concern is it of yours?

[MrSmith]

First the woman on the toilet seat. Now this. The world's a crazy crazy place.

[pr5owner]

does anyone actually know what the app did??? Maybe it deactivates nukes or hacks into the cia mainframe or something.:cool:

did u see the screen shot? it displays a picture of a red glowing gem to remind you that your rich

[superknoppix]

thats it? that sucks...

[sushi]

Wasn't Apple supposed to be filtering out crap like this?
Obviously, 8 individuals didn't think that it was crap. :)

[D4F]

It's just like the "magic" bowl of alphabet soup on ebay that sold for $7,000 dollars: it was a fair business transaction, but in allowing transactions of that nature to take place, ebay loses some respect as a legitimate auction company.

I don't know about the 'Magic' bowl but I do know that when you go to iTunes store and go to TERMS OF SALE you have this written VERY CLEARLY:



REFUND POLICY

All Sales and rentals (as applicable) are final.

Anybody complaining after purchase is just a PLAIN IDIOT. Simple and a fact UNLESS he bought something that is not matching the product description.

I don't understand people lol.

[EricNau]

Sorry, but I disagree.

Life is full of choices. Obviously, 8 folks thought that this app was a good choice for their hard earned money. Who are we to question it?
People have every right to waste their money as they see fit, however, Apple should not be required to provide that option.

WalMart could sell million dollar shirts if they wanted. FYI, many millionaires shop at WalMart. However, the millionaire type that shops at WalMart would not be the kind to purchased a million dollar T-Shirt.
Yes, Walmart could sell $1,000,000 T-shirts, but they don't. There's a reason why: they'd look like pricks.

[sushi]

By selling this app through the app store, it reflects poorly on Apple, and in-turn, loses them sales. In addition, it is also likely to cause them problems, in the case of those who accidentally make this purchase and refute the charges with their credit card company.
How?

I don't see it this way at all.

Simple and a fact UNLESS he bought something that is not matching the product description.

I don't understand people lol.
Agree.

[bretm]

It seems odd that Apple would let it pass the scrutiny test before making it available in the store. You would think that somebody that looks these things over would have seen that it was a scam.

Well, it absolutely wasn't a scam. It was actually about the farthest thing from a scam.

[fleshman03]

I'm actually curious who bought this.

Seriously.

[EricNau]

I don't know about the 'Magic' bowl but I do know that when you go to iTunes store and go to TERMS OF SALE you have this written VERY CLEARLY:



REFUND POLICY

All Sales and rentals (as applicable) are final.

Anybody complaining after purchase is just a PLAIN IDIOT. Simple and a fact UNLESS he bought something that is not matching the product description.

I don't understand people lol.
You're right, those are the terms of sale. Is that going to stop any purchasers from refuting the charges? No. ...And in the case that Apple refused to rescind the charge, they would most likely loose a customer for life. Is that what they want? Is that what Apple stock-holders would want?

Why did Apple chose not to allow porn? Because it wouldn't sell? (Yeah, right.) No, it's because it would reflect poorly on them as a company.

You need to remember that public perception for business can lead to either success or bankruptcy. ...You can't just run a business based on ideal-world situations.

[collegedu3]

This is a great technological manifestation of capitalism.

If women can buy purses worth thousands without too much ruckus, why can't geeks purchase applications worth hundreds?

[bretm]

except you need vista to play DX10 games but your a mac user so i guess you dont play games except for maybe.. EA's harry potter?



Or perhaps he's just a grownup and doesn't play computer games. Myself, I have better things to do. Like read these forums! :D

[JML42691]

Wow, how many of those purchases do you think were accidental?

[Pippen Man]

Probably for the same reason you don't see Walmart selling $1,000,000 T-shirts. Sure, they might get lucky and sell a few, but overall it reflects poorly on the business.

Well, buying a T-Shirt from a retail store is totally different. There's this thing called "Returns," and Wal-Mart takes it back. The iTunes Store is different, in which once you click the "Buy" button, it's yours. You can't take the app back to Apple and return it, it's like me going into Wal-Mart, buying an iPod touch, and returning it 29 days after purchase.

Could Apple possibly invoke a "Restocking Fee" concept in the App Store, like how they have in there retail stores for items already purchased? Possibly, but then again, why can't we be smart and just not buy the freaking $1000 app to begin with.:rolleyes:

[atluten]

It seems odd that Apple would let it pass the scrutiny test before making it available in the store. You would think that somebody that looks these things over would have seen that it was a scam.

This brings up a good point. I wonder if the reviewers are even aware of the price when they are looking at the app. If they aren't, it might explain why they let this through.

[DreamPod]

However, there's a reason why credible businesses
don't take advantage of their customers: it's bad for business.

By selling this app through the app store, it reflects poorly on Apple, and in-turn, loses them sales.

So, explain how any customer would have ever been "taken advantage of" by either Apple or the developer of this App? The App stated everything that it did on the store page. It didn't try to scam anyone, it was very clear on the matter: it was just a picture, and if you click on the "i" you get a message. It wasn't in the fine print or anything.

In addition, it is also likely to cause them problems, in the case of those who accidentally make this purchase and refute the charges with their credit card company.

There is no way to "accidentally" purchase an app. If you click on Buy, and enter your password, and tell it that yes you want to purchase the app, then you obviously wanted to buy it. If you set it up for one-click purchases, than you obviously know what you are doing. And BTW, refuting the charge wouldn't do much - the bank would contact Apple, who would show them proof that you legally purchased the App and that the App does everything it was advertised to do, and your bank would still charge your account for the full amount.

[MacTheSpoon]

LOL, that's hilarious. If I was a tycoon I might have bought it myself.

[EricNau]

So, explain how any customer would have ever been "taken advantage of" by either Apple or the developer of this App? The App stated everything that it did on the store page. It didn't try to scam anyone, it was very clear on the matter: it was just a picture, and if you click on the "i" you get a message. It wasn't in the fine print or anything.
It doesn't have to be a scam to take advantage of a customer. I could take advantage of a customer's wealth, for example, or likewise their ignorance, mistake, gullibility, etc. I never implied that this app was in any way dishonest.

There is no way to "accidentally" purchase an app. If you click on Buy, and enter your password, and tell it that yes you want to purchase the app, then you obviously wanted to buy it. If you set it up for one-click purchases, than you obviously know what you are doing. And BTW, refuting the charge wouldn't do much - the bank would contact Apple, who would show them proof that you legally purchased the App and that the App does everything it was advertised to do, and your bank would still charge your account for the full amount.
Regardless of the outcome, does Apple want to deal with the hassle?

[DamFu]

Bottom line is that this guy was genius in making a basic app that sold for a buttload of money, and 8 people bought it. anyone who got burned with 1-click is a dummy and should not blame anyone but themselves. Apple should not have pulled this app from the store.

[DreamPod]

Regardless of the outcome, does Apple want to deal with the hassle?

Doesn't matter if they want to deal with the hassle or not. The app in question (unlike NetShare) did not violate any of Apple's terms at all, so there is no reason they should have pulled it from their store. They do not require (or guarantee) quality, they do not have any rules about value, and their pricing scheme is very clear. This app isn't any worse than one of those $2 flashlight apps that just display a white screen, except in terms of price.

If Apple is going to start taking down apps for reasons of perceived value, then they'd better make it clear in their SDK documentation that they will be doing so, and explain what they will be using to determine these standards. Even a company with a super-closed system like Nintendo and the DS doesn't allow/disallow games based on quality/value, and they let you price your games at whatever the heck you want. Nintendo used to police quality and pricing, and got smacked with anti-monopoly suits. Now they just care if your game crashes, or uses the correct terms to refer to buttons, doesn't cause seizures, things like that. And they have an exact list of everything they will ding your game for.

[tedsmith3rd]

Doesn't matter if they want to deal with the hassle or not. The app in question (unlike NetShare) did not violate any of Apple's terms at all, so there is no reason they should have pulled it from their store.

Apparently, they didn't like it. That's all that's required. Anyone who knows what they are talking about would know that. It's plain as day in the iPhone developer agreement.

[sushi]

It doesn't have to be a scam to take advantage of a customer. I could take advantage of a customer's wealth, for example, or likewise their ignorance, mistake, gullibility, etc. I never implied that this app was in any way dishonest.
You've got to be kidding.

You are expecting a corporation to be responsible for a customer's spending?

[arjaosx]

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.

Precisely what I am thinking. The word that sums all the negative comments about this guy and his awesome app...JEALOUSY.

Admit it he's smart and got paid for it. He did nothing wrong he just know how people would react to his idea. By the way, what he did was an art form, being able to demonstrate how people would react to some silly idea.

Apple was right taking the app off as it is unfair to some developers that put blood sweat and tears to come up with an idea what to sell, but then again the simplest solution they say is the best, in this case Heiny's idea is best :D

By the way, the whole idea for this app is to display how wealthy you are, this is not an app for everyone to buy to some its useless but for the people who actually have money to spare then the cost is peanuts and having the app confirms their status. We are just angry at the idea of one person spending so much for something useless to us beause we are looking at it at the point of view of somebody who have less to spend. Hey but if you are earning say 20 thousand per day a mere 1k won't dent your budget (if you have one) :D.

I used to abhor the idea of the obscene spending by the rich but since I thought about it in their own view their spening habis are justified.

[Dontdothat317]

I hope apple instates some sort of refund program for people who purchased this application on accident. Let this be a lesson to everyone. But it's still a great story.

And no I don't think Heinrich is smart or even creative for developing such a program. He was simply lucky enough to get a silly idea through the system. Hardly a respectable way to earn a profit. Everyone has thought of something equally as scandalous at one point in their life, this guy just got lucky his idea slipped through the system for a day.

[EricNau]

You've got to be kidding.

You are expecting a corporation to be responsible for a customer's spending?
No, merely suggesting that it's bad business to take advantage of your customers.

[XnavxeMiyyep]

This is a great technological manifestation of capitalism.

If women can buy purses worth thousands without too much ruckus, why can't geeks purchase applications worth hundreds?

Exactly! It's the same thing as the real diamond industry! Instead of selling shiny rocks, they sell PICTURES of shiny rocks!

[zen]

Remember, not only did the developer make $5600, Apple made $2100!

[dizastor]

Remember, not only did the developer make $5600, Apple made $2100!

Awesome! Now Steve can afford a quarter of a tank of jet fuel... he will be pleased. ;)

[MacGeek7]

I have no problem with this app being available in the app store - the way I see it is if a person has that much money that they can carelessly throw away for an app like that that's fine - it's their money, they get to do what they want with it. Also, I don't understand how people "accidentally" purchased the app - if you don't have that much money then as far as I'm concerned your mouse/finger shouldn't be anywhere near the purchase button...

Apple needs to either a) review apps better before publishing them or b) quit removing them once they've been approved

[Tussen69]

Hi. I´m a sdk developer for the iphone.

To state it shortly . The developer behind this app is an Ass****

Its wrong in any way to fool customers. Even if you say that Apple have a responebility and they have, no doubt .its still wrong .

All developers have a respnebility themself not to make this kind of things that it ment to fool people.

but there will always be people trying to exploit any systems out there for there goal to make a buck.

I feel realy bad for thouse people who accedently bought the app and I hope they get there app back and that the developer gets nothing or is forced to pay back the money.

I can not discuss the legal terms of putting apps on itunes app store but read the legal terms yourself and you will found out more...

[Tussen69]

I have no problem with this app being available in the app store - the way I see it is if a person has that much money that they can carelessly throw away for an app like that that's fine - it's their money, they get to do what they want with it. Also, I don't understand how people "accidentally" purchased the app - if you don't have that much money then as far as I'm concerned your mouse/finger shouldn't be anywhere near the purchase button...

Apple needs to either a) review apps better before publishing them or b) quit removing them once they've been approved
regarding your b) answer.

any good developer can develop what I would call mutating code.
In easy terms. You can develop code that is not harmfull but after a surtain time it can mutate and do something else that was not clear when Apple reviewed the app.

I think that its great that Apple can blacklist apps, remove harmfull apps and outher apps that may compromise any security issues .

[Tussen69]

Precisely what I am thinking. The word that sums all the negative comments about this guy and his awesome app...JEALOUSY.



I dont think the developer is a genius or smart in anyway .. are you smart if you do something illegal ... i dont think so ...

[marksman]

I bet he does not have IP rights to the image he used for the diamond, just call it a hunch.

So whomever has those rights might want a piece of the pie.

[Dontdothat317]

Hi. I´m a sdk developer for the iphone.

Even if you say that Apple have a responebility and they have, no doubt .its still wrong .

All developers have a respnebility themself not to make this kind of things that it ment to fool people.

but there will always be people trying to exploit any systems out there for there goal to make a buck.



This just brings up an interesting point to me. Apple is kind of "proprietary" with their Iphone platform, software, and app store. If they want to be in control of it all, they better be ready to handle things like this happening because they created the environment for such issues to present themselves. WM would never have such an issue, because not everything goes through a central, regulated system such as the app store.

I concur that Apple needs to review apps before they go up on the app store... or at least do a slightly better job. It's unfair to everyone - yes even the developer, for things like this to happen. Nonetheless, yeah your finger should not have been anywhere near that buy button. If you can afford to be so stupid with your money, its your choice and no one else's what you do with your money.

[NotFound]

Hi. I´m a sdk developer for the iphone.

To state it shortly . The developer behind this app is an Ass****

No doubt

Its wrong in any way to fool customers. Even if you say that Apple have a responebility and they have, no doubt .its still wrong .

How did this application fool anyone? The description and title clearly stated what the app was intended for and why.



I feel realy bad for thouse people who accedently bought the app and I hope they get there app back and that the developer gets nothing or is forced to pay back the money.

I dont feel sorry for anyone. And I hope they don't get their money back.

I can not discuss the legal terms of putting apps on itunes app store but read the legal terms yourself and you will found out more...

True that.

[Phil A.]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone 16GB: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F97 Safari/525.20)

I'm guessing the reason Apple pulled it is to stop thousands of copycat programs being launched by other devs: one stupid thousand dollar app may be funny, but a thousand of them would simply make the whole app store concept a joke. Apple have drawn a line in the sand and hopefully stopped that happening

[tk421]

Wow, how many of those purchases do you think were accidental?

All of them.

[Chicane-UK]

I dont feel sorry for anyone. And I hope they don't get their money back.


You're right on the money IMHO. I was going to reply to the post you made but you beat me to it and said all I wanted to say. I don't see how this was deceiving anyone - the application explained exactly what it did (or didn't!) do and the price is there in black and white on the screen before you purchase it.

People need to start taking responsibility for their own stupidity - I hope all 8 of those people inadvertantly bought it and got burned. They certainly won't do it again.

[tk421]

You're right, those are the terms of sale. Is that going to stop any purchasers from refuting the charges? No. ...And in the case that Apple refused to rescind the charge, they would most likely loose a customer for life. Is that what they want? Is that what Apple stock-holders would want?

Why did Apple chose not to allow porn? Because it wouldn't sell? (Yeah, right.) No, it's because it would reflect poorly on them as a company.

You need to remember that public perception for business can lead to either success or bankruptcy. ...You can't just run a business based on ideal-world situations.

All this back and forth with EricNau. Eric is 100% right.

Sure, the app was funny. Yes, idiots may deserve to lose their money. And absolutely the app was not dishonest or a scam. It may even be possible that some of the 8 chose to buy the app knowing full well what it was (though I suspect all 8 probably made a stupid mistake).

All of that is irrelevant if the app makes Apple look bad. And if there is any doubt, just look at the reviews the app got. Obviously it's down now, but it was several hundred 1-star reviews from people complaining about Apple and/or the developer. There were positive reviews from those that found it funny, but these were by far the minority.

[NotFound]

People need to start taking responsibility for their own stupidity - I hope all 8 of those people inadvertantly bought it and got burned. They certainly won't do it again.

Well, I'd have to say you put it better than I.

[KingYaba]

Friend (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=42901) sent me this. I'm taking the liberty of sharing. :)

[flir67]

Awesome! Now Steve can afford a quarter of a tank of jet fuel... he will be pleased. ;)


roflmao..... thats the funniest crap I've heard all night.....

[guet]

Even if Apple did pull it, he still won.

I doubt very much this cretin will actually be paid any of that money - Apple holds it for 2 weeks or something, and will most likely just refund anyone who bought the app, so he'll be out $99 and a whole lot of goodwill for nothing.

[elmateo487]

I'm not nearly as jealous as I am of the guy who did the "million pixel homepage" a few years back. These ideas come around once in awhile that are brilliant and/or stupid, but mostly instantly profitable.

Oh man. I looked it up. Genius. Absolute genius!

http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com/

Theres the page.. oh my goodness. 1 million dollars!

[sushi]

No, merely suggesting that it's bad business to take advantage of your customers.
Guess we disagree on this point.

I do not see how this app listing was taking advantage of the customer in any way.

All developers have a respnebility themself not to make this kind of things that it ment to fool people.
Say what?

The app listing clearly stated what was being offered. There was no misrepresentation with the listing.

but there will always be people trying to exploit any systems out there for there goal to make a buck.
I don't see it this way. The app maker did not deceive anybody with his listing. All was clearly stated.

I feel realy bad for thouse people who accedently bought the app and I hope they get there app back and that the developer gets nothing or is forced to pay back the money.
How do we know that they all "accidentally" purchased the app.

Are you saying that none of the 8 wanted to purchase the app?

How did this application fool anyone? The description and title clearly stated what the app was intended for and why.
Agree.

I dont feel sorry for anyone. And I hope they don't get their money back.[/QUOTE]
Agree.

I don't see how this was deceiving anyone - the application explained exactly what it did (or didn't!) do and the price is there in black and white on the screen before you purchase it.
Exactly.

People need to start taking responsibility for their own stupidity - I hope all 8 of those people inadvertantly bought it and got burned. They certainly won't do it again.
How do we know for sure that they inadvertently purchased the app?

[RaZaK]

oh please, please, please, please Apple, release the names of these idiots so that we can tar and feather them...or grease and spoon them.

5 bonus points to anyone who gets the reference at the end of the above sentence.:)

[petvas]

it never ceases to amaze me how many idiots there are out there......

...and I am sure they would be much more if the app remained in the store. :)

[koobcamuk]

I dont think the developer is a genius or smart in anyway .. are you smart if you do something illegal ... i dont think so ...

What exactly is he doing that's illegal? The price limit is set by Apple. Why don't they lower it if this is the reason?

$5,600 off the stupidity of some people. I like that.

Apple made money from this too you know... maybe it would generate bad press for them if they made a lot of money this way. Who knows. Relatively a lot - i.e. to me, not to Apple.

Furthermore, I doubt Apple screen prices as this really isn't up to them; they should just protect against malicious content and porn. I wonder why they cancelled it.

Friend (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=42901) sent me this. I'm taking the liberty of sharing. :)

It's not a scam. This guy deserves that. Total idiot. There are consequences in this world.

[JesterJJZ]

The developer was smart. Talk about making a quick 6 grand..

I see no problem making money on stupid people. Serves them right. I don't care what anyone says, the developer is a genius. You all just wish you thought of it first.

[cocky jeremy]

Thats exactly what people do who lack morals. Fixed that for you. They have a word for lying to get money/stuff.

How do they lack morals? They clearly stated what it was for. If you purchased it, it was because you chose to. They weren't taking advantage of anyone.

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.

Bingo!

[P-Worm]

To all the people that say that Apple was wrong in pulling this application, maybe you should look at all of the negative feedback Apple has in this thread alone. That doesn't sound like good business to me.

I think that those that bought the application on accident (it's entirely possible that someone's kid did it - and don't think it couldn't happen to you) should get a refund. If the buyers really just wanted to buy this to prove how rich they are, I have no problems with them keeping it.

When I first heard about the app, I thought it was pretty funny. Later it occurred to me that having an application like this in the store is a breeding ground for copy cats. I sure don't want to have to weed through an endless sea of $1000 applications.

I think that pulling the application was a good business move by Apple.

P-Worm

[BoyBach]

I notice that some people are describing this App as art. Dear me, we're not setting that bar very high these days.

As for the eight sales, they do that there's one born every minute!

[P-Worm]

Friend (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=42901) sent me this. I'm taking the liberty of sharing. :)

I feel bad for this guy. We all do stupid things at times and I think he should be shown a little mercy. :(

P-Worm

[edesignuk]

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.Sums up my thoughts perfectly.

[mrkgoo]

Friend (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=42901) sent me this. I'm taking the liberty of sharing. :)

Actually -the app was far from fake, and very genuine!

I feel sorry for those that bought it accidentally (as in accidentally clicked it - if anyone clicked it deliberately, that's another story - even if they thought it was a joke). Sure, there was no ruse behind this app, but Apple's reaction to these mistakes is paid back to their reputation.

The app was amusing, and a stroke of genius in regards to marketing the developer's name and other apps. It, however, is a really *******-ish thing to release upon the public, and Apple is part way to blame. Apple is right to pull this app, because it reflects poorly on the AppStore. Will anyone visit and purchase when it's just full of 'joke' apps? Arguably, the countless flashlight apps also make a bit of mockery out of the store, but they're not $999 jokes. Regardless, Apple will have to balance the appstore with reason - keep it so apps are genuinely useful, without distancing the developer community with too much control.

[reflex]

I don't know about the 'Magic' bowl but I do know that when you go to iTunes store and go to TERMS OF SALE you have this written VERY CLEARLY:



REFUND POLICY

All Sales and rentals (as applicable) are final.

Anybody complaining after purchase is just a PLAIN IDIOT. Simple and a fact UNLESS he bought something that is not matching the product description.

Not in Belgium though (and possibly other places). Because it's a sale "at a distance" (literal translation), the buyer has 7 days to change his mind. I'm not sure if there are any exceptions to this, though.

And the one-click buy system is definitely not a good idea for anything costing more than a cd or a movie.

But I agree that those people should have thought a little bit harder before clicking that button.

[Stella]

Friend (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=42901) sent me this. I'm taking the liberty of sharing. :)

What happened to personal responsibility and why would this person think its a joke?

If some one wants to sell an app for $999 then let them - the developer explicitly said what he was selling. The people who bought this got what was advertised. It wasn't a scam.

For those thinking this is a 'scam', here's a definition to refresh their memories:
http://www.eecl.org/scam/definition.shtml

This app does not in anyway fall in to the definition of 'scam'.

The Reg sums up this person very well "'I blame everyone but myself' ( seen from the home page of Register )
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/07/poor_man_buys_i_am_rich_app/

[lamadude]

Serves as a reminder that you should never have the one-click buy thing on iTunes on you iPhone. If you leave your phone unattended anybody might buy some apps or albums, to annoy you or by accident (kids playing around with it) and before you know it you're stuck with some of those 99$ medical apps which are useless to you.

[Peterkro]

To quote someone on the blog "and people think Germans don't have a sense of humour".

[gerald.d]

Now the App's been pulled, and assuming it isn't coming back, I honestly believe that if one of those 8 people who bought this App bought it on an iPod Touch, they could probably get at least 10x their outlay back by auctioning the Touch on Ebay sharpish.

The publicity potential of this is enormous.

[jonnyb]

Now the App's been pulled, and assuming it isn't coming back, I honestly believe that if one of those 8 people who bought this App bought it on an iPod Touch, they could probably get at least 10x their outlay back by auctioning the Touch on Ebay sharpish.

The publicity potential of this is enormous.

Oh hi dietcokebreak!

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5B108 Safari/525.20)

I wonder, if Apple allowed apps to be priced above $999.99, would the developer asked whatever the max was say $9999.99. I also wonder who would have purchased it then. Would that eight turn into 3? Think of the profit margin then.

[ldkaplan]

Exploiting a feature does not make someone a genius.

One-click was not intended for large dollar purchases. iTunes doesn't really have large dollar items except for some compilations and I've never seen something for $1000.

Given that, Apple should re-think their one click feature and either put a threshold on it or get rid of it. You have to be very lazy to not type in your password for a purchase.

It's funny, but in a sick kind of way. I doubt they'll get their money back.


Bottom line is that this guy was genius in making a basic app that sold for a buttload of money, and 8 people bought it. anyone who got burned with 1-click is a dummy and should not blame anyone but themselves. Apple should not have pulled this app from the store.

[txr0ckabilly]

How do they lack morals? They clearly stated what it was for. If you purchased it, it was because you chose to. They weren't taking advantage of anyone.

you're misquoting the poster.


as for the app?- this app is the one reason i turned off one-click on the wife's machine.

[GroundLoop]

I am just seeing a "Brewster's Millions" type situation with this app.

Hickman

[BigPrince]

Exploiting a feature does not make someone a genius.

*snip*
You are if your the first to exploit it :P

[GroundLoop]

One-click was not intended for large dollar purchases.


Better go tell Amazon.com and the countless other sites that have one click purchasing enabled for their stores

Hickman

[Stella]

Exploiting a feature does not make someone a genius.


Who says he was exploiting "on click purchase"?

[ariel]

if someone purchased this by mistake then i feel sorry for them.

I have the shopping cart turned on for buying music on iTunes. When I clicked buy on my first app in the itunes store, i believed it would be put in my shopping cart and i would have to go there to actually purchase just like i do for music. But low and behold, it didn't work the same way.

I can easily see how people would click the buy button for this app without knowing they would instantly buy it and therefore be upset. I instantly taught my kids and my wife about the difference in the app store process to protect my wallet.

Apple could put in some safeguards to protect people in these situations.

To call people some of the names i see here is just sad. I hope all of you never make a mistake. Shame on you.

I know you'll blast me for that statement, but if more people would treat each other with kindness instead of insults, the world would be a lot better off.

[marco114]

One-click was not intended for large dollar purchases. iTunes doesn't really have large dollar items except for some compilations and I've never seen something for $1000.

Given that, Apple should re-think their one click feature and either put a threshold on it or get rid of it. You have to be very lazy to not type in your password for a purchase.

Why not a personal preference threshold instead of a store wide one?

[Manatee]

This was what I was waiting for... the reports of people purchasing the app.

There will probably be a flip-side to this in twenty years, then the eight genuine purchased copies are selling at auction for millions of dollars. :)

[calculus]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

[branjosef]

I read the review calling this app a scam and how apple needs to screen better. Whatever happened to being responsible for your own actions. if I want to put an app on the app store that says "Sucker" and offer it for $3.00 or $3000 and someone buys it, then thats on them. I saw the app when it came out and the last thing I was going to do was hit "buy". I think the developer should get his money and no one should get a refund. We have a problem with people thinking they can do what they want to and won't be held accountable. What's sad is that this is true. People just say they made a mistake or they didn't know and its okay- everyone forgives them. Maybe we need a good depression to instill some strife in everyone. I don't ever recall old people acting this way when I grew up. They were very responsible and frugal. Way to screw it up baby boomers. :eek:

[branjosef]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...


Like any computer made by Dell :eek:

[whooleytoo]

.as Jobs once said "who want to be the richest guy in cemetery".

Kinda funny for a guy who's CEO of a company sitting on a massive mound of cash...

[branjosef]

if someone purchased this by mistake then i feel sorry for them.

I have the shopping cart turned on for buying music on iTunes. When I clicked buy on my first app in the itunes store, i believed it would be put in my shopping cart and i would have to go there to actually purchase just like i do for music. But low and behold, it didn't work the same way. Fair enough

I can easily see how people would click the buy button for this app without knowing they would instantly buy it and therefore be upset. That's pathetic- Don't click the "buy" button if you don't know what your doing- especially on an app that costs this much I instantly taught my kids and my wife about the difference in the app store process to protect my wallet. What is sad is that you have to teach your kids how to use the app store which would imply they have an iphone or ipod touch yet are too young to grasp the concept of "purchasing". Maybe they don't need something like that yet

Apple could put in some safeguards to protect people in these situations.
If more parents spent time with their kids in a positive manner, then apple wouldn't have too do this when they are incompetent adults.

To call people some of the names i see here is just sad. Oh how very touchy feely and "Family Ties" of you. You get an extra star by your name. I hope all of you never make a mistake. I use birth control and live within my earning potential Shame on you. No soup for you!!!!

I know you'll blast me for that statement, but if more people would treat each other with kindness instead of insults, the world would be a lot better off.Unfortunately this is not the case.



All in all, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just couldn't resist commenting. I wonder if the developer would have grounds for a law suit based on the contractual agreement between apple and developers- I don't think they can censor apps based on content verses price. Who are they to say how much the content of an app is worth. It seems he simply sold an image for a large amount of money. This app could set a precedence for future apps. I would think he could sue for loss of revenue or something like that -provided he didn't violate the developers agreement

[scotty56]

WOW :eek: What an app.

[branjosef]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

Correspondence course on "Using the Force" *Free robe included with every purchase :D

[branjosef]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

An intellectual conversation with George W. Bush

[branjosef]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

Hillary Clinton's Book "How to keep a happy husband"

[lostinspace2011]

I can't really understand why anybody would this this is a scam. The description described what the application does and it does that well.

Dare I even suggest that since being pulled it does it even better. Since there are only 8 users of the application the value of it surely must have increased now, so the users really should have nothing to complain about. Surely if you vain (and rich) enough to buy this, then you understand the "true" value, and if you clever enough you might even be able to make some money with it. Just need to find somebody more vain and slightly richer then yourself.

I understand they might be upset, but it only because of their own curiosity that they ended up with this, shall we call it piece of art. What did they really expect to happen. World peace, flowers popping up and bunnies appearing.

[branjosef]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...


Buying a factory restored Yugo off of ebay" *Where we go, Yugo

[7on]

How very Duchamp.

[ariel]

All in all, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just couldn't resist commenting. I wonder if the developer would have grounds for a law suit based on the contractual agreement between apple and developers- I don't think they can censor apps based on content verses price. Who are they to say how much the content of an app is worth. It seems he simply sold an image for a large amount of money. This app could set a precedence for future apps. I would think he could sue for loss of revenue or something like that -provided he didn't violate the developers agreement

Just wanted you to know that i read your comments but refuse to comment. Not worth my time

[branjosef]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

Investing in a new comedy debuting on the Fox network

[whooleytoo]

All in all, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just couldn't resist commenting. I wonder if the developer would have grounds for a law suit based on the contractual agreement between apple and developers- I don't think they can censor apps based on content verses price. Who are they to say how much the content of an app is worth. It seems he simply sold an image for a large amount of money. This app could set a precedence for future apps. I would think he could sue for loss of revenue or something like that -provided he didn't violate the developers agreement

Hmm, maybe if I made an app with 2 diamonds for just 499.99, that's much better value, they'd HAVE to let that one up there! :)

[branjosef]

Hmm, maybe if I made an app with 2 diamonds for just 499.99, that's much better value, they'd HAVE to let that one up there! :)

You would have to make sure they weren't "blood diamonds" :D

[branjosef]

Hmm, maybe if I made an app with 2 diamonds for just 499.99, that's much better value, they'd HAVE to let that one up there! :)

OH! if you make them "Product Red", then apple would have to let you sell them. As my one friend says "It goes to help the Africas" *She's an idiot

[bytethese]

except you need vista to play DX10 games but your a mac user so i guess you dont play games except for maybe.. EA's harry potter?

I'm a Mac user, but I play games on my PS3. :) Nothing like 1080p games on a 56" tv. :)

[Pandora01]

I don't understand why Apple would allow this in the store anyway. It's not even an app, it's just an icon. Don't they have any sort of vetting process, or do they just allow everything in the store that is submitted to them, as long as it doesn't violate any laws?

Anyway, as a woman, I thank you all for assuming the buyers were men. I wholeheartedly agree with you that only guys would be this stupid. ;)

[Darkroom]

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.

i agree... it's really great work... a successful performance piece that underlined the indulgence of some members of the modern upper class... apple has no right to take it down... the show must go on.

[kyleb822]

this dude is smart...he just made $5600 because only 8 dumb people bought his app. Who cares if Apple decided to pull the plug this guy made some bank!!

[branjosef]

I don't understand why Apple would allow this in the store anyway. It's not even an app, it's just an icon. Don't they have any sort of vetting process, or do they just allow everything in the store that is submitted to them, as long as it doesn't violate any laws?

Anyway, as a woman, I thank you all for assuming the buyers were men. I wholeheartedly agree with you that only guys would be this stupid. ;)

The only way a women would have bought this is if her man lied to her about the price ;)

[bytethese]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

Yeah, like haircare products for Mr. Clean.

[Gasu E.]

I am so desperate to get this application, I would pay three times the original price.

Its art, and its brilliant. Not everything you pay for has to have an application. Screw practicality.

In the words of Werner Herzog "money is cowardly" - if you have it coming out of your ears why not spend it...as Jobs once said "who want to be the richest guy in cemetery". I say you only live once.

You are quite right. In fact this thread itself is fantastic conceptual art. We should all get royalties!

[branjosef]

Yeah, like haircare products for Mr. Clean.

I was thinking that too, but I didn't want to offend any "really clean" people :D

[branjosef]

I know this is off the subject, but I wanted to pass this out to everyone...


http://www.9to5mac.com/police_state

Apparently this has been in effect since the beginning of the year. I started another forum for this and sent it in to macrumors news info. I know there was a forum about it potentially becoming a law, but I guess it is already in effect. Just trying to get the word out.

[UMHurricanes34]

I knew when I first saw this app reported that the developer was an absolute genius.

[jdechko]

I'm going to agree with all the people asking where the personal responsibility is. If you've got 1-Click enabled, you have to be more careful. It's not the Developers fault that you have set preferences in iTunes. And to say that Apple should prompt you on any purchase over $X.XX (for any value of X), that's why the shopping cart is there in the first place - it's a way to ask "Are you sure?" But I do think Apple should actually allow you to place apps in a shopping cart. As it stands, it does, however, prompt you before making a purchase.

[brn2ski00]

Dumb

[ariel]

I'm going to agree with all the people asking where the personal responsibility is. If you've got 1-Click enabled, you have to be more careful. It's not the Developers fault that you have set preferences in iTunes. And to say that Apple should prompt you on any purchase over $X.XX (for any value of X), that's why the shopping cart is there in the first place - it's a way to ask "Are you sure?" But I do think Apple should actually allow you to place apps in a shopping cart. As it stands, it does, however, prompt you before making a purchase.

Ah, but alas, the App store works differently than your other settings!

I have "Buy using a shopping cart" selected in my iTunes preferences. Yet, clicking on an application does NOT go to my cart - it is an instant purchase!

This is totally contrary to expected behavior. anyone who has purchased songs with the "store" would NOT (edited to add the NOT that i left out before) expect the application store to work differently yet it does. I have never been prompted when buying in the app store in iTunes... purchases are instant and i get no confirmation or option to approve.

There is no tab in the preferences anywhere for changing the behavior of the Application Store and therefore Apple has made a mistake here. And therefore should refund anyone who mistakenly purchased this application.

Calling people idiots for something that is clearly an unexpected behavior is in my opinion not appropriate. Apple should make all purchases work the same way.

It is also true that you don't have a shopping cart on the phone itself. Purchases there are instant too.

[philbeeney]

I read the review calling this app a scam and how apple needs to screen better. Whatever happened to being responsible for your own actions. if I want to put an app on the app store that says "Sucker" and offer it for $3.00 or $3000 and someone buys it, then thats on them. I saw the app when it came out and the last thing I was going to do was hit "buy". I think the developer should get his money and no one should get a refund. We have a problem with people thinking they can do what they want to and won't be held accountable. What's sad is that this is true. People just say they made a mistake or they didn't know and its okay- everyone forgives them. Maybe we need a good depression to instill some strife in everyone. I don't ever recall old people acting this way when I grew up. They were very responsible and frugal. Way to screw it up baby boomers. :eek:

I totally agree 100% with what you say. People should not be anywhere near the app store let alone an iphone or ipod touch if they don't know how to use it properly. I wouldn't let anybody near a car if they didn't know how to drive.

The developer described exactly what the app was and did. Those people saying the app is a scam obviously have no brain cells or any scrap of common sense. Those are the people we should be afraid of.

[branjosef]

Ah, but alas, the App store works differently than your other settings!

I have "Buy using a shopping cart" selected in my iTunes preferences. Yet, clicking on an application does NOT go to my cart - it is an instant purchase!

This is totally contrary to expected behavior. anyone who has purchased songs with the "store" would NOT (edited to add the NOT that i left out before) expect the application store to work differently yet it does. I have never been prompted when buying in the app store in iTunes... purchases are instant and i get no confirmation or option to approve.

There is no tab in the preferences anywhere for changing the behavior of the Application Store and therefore Apple has made a mistake here. And therefore should refund anyone who mistakenly purchased this application.

Calling people idiots for something that is clearly an unexpected behavior is in my opinion not appropriate. Apple should make all purchases work the same way.

It is also true that you don't have a shopping cart on the phone itself. Purchases there are instant too.


I agree with your point about the app store operating differently. When I initially downloaded apps, I tried out a free one first just to make sure I was doing everything correctly- Once I figured out how everything worked, I moved on to a few paid apps. I did see this app and just stayed away. I do think your point is valid

[ariel]

I totally agree 100% with what you say. People should not be anywhere near the app store let alone an iphone or ipod touch if they don't know how to use it properly.

Just how do you know how to use it 'properly' when Apple has programmed it to work differently than every other part of the store? iTunes is ignoring my "add to cart" choice in the preferences and for an application does "instant purchase" - the only way to learn that is to click the buy button.

Call me an idiot if you want - but applications that don't follow expected user behavior are not the fault of the user.

[Arran]

There are far more ridiculous things that people spend that sort of money on than this...

Like this perhaps... http://money.aol.com/special/gold-household-items

Forget tech, I need to get into the plumbing business :)

[mac jones]

UH

The 8 or 9 people who purchased this app are most certainly a statistical glitch.

such as:

1) mistaking 999. for 9.99
2) mistaken location of links and buttons (hitting wrong app).
3) other random results.
4) juveniles with stolen credit cards (or parents/sibling cards)

Yet you all seem to imagine other scenarios where some nouveau riche are flaunting money while wallowing in hubris .

such imaginations.

[ucfgrad93]

it never ceases to amaze me how many idiots there are out there......

Agreed. I am very surprised that anyone bought this.

[Darth.Titan]

I really can't understand the lack of compassion shown by this crowd. Nobody bought this app on purpose, or because they're stupid. I guarantee all 8 purchases were the result of mishaps with '1-click purchase', and I'm prety sure that is exactly what the "developer" was banking on when he wrote it.

I don't care how explicitly he described what the app does, he doesn't deserve one dime from this app (Well, maybe just one dime... :D), nor do I think he'll get it.

No, I'm not jealous. I don't wish I'd thought of it first. This jerk is on the same level as those who sell the iPhone 3G boxes on ebay. Sure they state (somewhere) in the auction exactly what you're buying, but the intent is to take advantage of "quick click" customers. I know there are a lot of not-so-bright people in the world, but that by no means gives us the obligation to take advantage of them.

Of course it's possible the developer just put the app up as a joke, and never intended anyone to actually buy it. If that is the case, he probably doesn't expect to collect anyway, and I will extend my most heartfelt apologies for besmirching his honor.

I hope Apple eventually gives all purchasers 100% refunds. As for those of you who disagree I hope someone is more charitable to you next time you make a mistake.
Karma can be a cruel mistress after all...

[Ori]

Why did Apple chose not to allow porn? Because it wouldn't sell? (Yeah, right.) No, it's because it would reflect poorly on them as a company.


Actually really annoyed about that. I am over 18 (over 30) and I think I should be allowed to choose if I want porn on my Iphone! It would be a huge market and I think they could quite easily hide it and make you agree to a declaration before giving you access to it.

Personally, depsite my love of porn ;-) I don't and won't keep porn on my phone due to the fact I have a 2 year old who plays constantly with my iphone and watches thomas the tank engine etc..... the last thing I need is him watching hard core filth on it!

Nice of apple to make the moral choices for me though.....sigh.

[branjosef]

I say lesson learned. Don't do it again. You know I have been waiting to buy a house because I can't afford it right now. I see all the time people who have low paying jobs buying homes with outrageous interest rates and when they can't pay, they expect to get bailed out. They say things like "I have four kids, my husband is only a teacher and I am a stay at home mom" or some other crap. They expect to be bailed despite the fact they incurred a debt that they ultimately couldn't afford. Maybe they should have waited to buy a home when they could afford one or maybe they shouldn't of had a lot of kids because as we all know...kids cost money. The problem is people just do things without any thought of the possible recourse. It makes me sick. With the app store, why would anyone even remotely mess with an application knowing that it costs so much money. I'll tell you, they've never been held accountable for their actions. I saw someone post that a kid could have done this using their parents card and I know that their are safeguards in place for situations like this. I feel no sympathy and I wish people would just start acting more responsible.

[Character Zero]

UH

The 8 or 9 people who purchased this app are most certainly a statistical glitch.

such as:

1) mistaking 999. for 9.99
2) mistaken location of links and buttons (hitting wrong app).
3) other random results.
4) juveniles with stolen credit cards (or parents/sibling cards)

Yet you all seem to imagine other scenarios where some nouveau riche are flaunting money while wallowing in hubris .

such imaginations.

Couldn't you say that about any purchase on the App Store? Well except number 1. People should pay more attention, no one is to blame except those that made the purchase. If anything Apple shouldn't allow 1 click on the App Store through the iPhone and present a screen of the total before tax that you agree to.

I bought 100 $10 apps by mistake. I want a refund.

[Niiro13]

While it is simply possible that people can get owned by the 1-click, knowing that there are some applications at the price they are (MyAccounts2Go...and now this application), I cannot imagine how anyone should have any excuse for 1-click. This isn't the only expensive application.


This application doesn't only display a red gem. Hasn't anyone noticed the "i"? In the description it says it flips over for a mantra.


Anyway, I can't believe I didn't think of this. Pure genius.

Now even with the many possibilities that it can be 1-click, mistaking the $999 for $9.99 (which is still expensive for this type of app), hitting wrong buy button, etc. Isn't it also possible that those 8 people knew that they were paying $999 for an image and a mantra? Some people like to show off.

[branjosef]

I really can't understand the lack of compassion shown by this crowd. Nobody bought this app on purpose, or because they're stupid. I guarantee all 8 purchases were the result of mishaps with '1-click purchase' Remember that assuming makes an ass out of you and me- besides one comment by someone who bought it- said that they bought it as a joke and were messing around not thinking they would actually get charged for it- so your argument here isn't valid, and I'm prety sure that is exactly what the "developer" was banking on when he wrote it.

I don't care how explicitly he described what the app does, he doesn't deserve one dime from this app (Well, maybe just one dime... :D), nor do I think he'll get it.

No, I'm not jealous. I don't wish I'd thought of it first. This jerk is on the same level as those who sell the iPhone 3G boxes on ebay. Sure they state (somewhere) in the auction exactly what you're buying, but the intent is to take advantage of "quick click" customers. I know there are a lot of not-so-bright people in the world, but that by no means gives us the obligation to take advantage of them.

Of course it's possible the developer just put the app up as a joke, and never intended anyone to actually buy it. It seemed like he did and was trying to redirect everyone to his other more traditional appsIf that is the case, he probably doesn't expect to collect anyway, and I will extend my most heartfelt apologies for besmirching his honor.

I hope Apple eventually gives all purchasers 100% refunds. If thats the case, then I will buy every app that I want and just bitch about it when the bill is due citing this app as precedent.If they don't then I guess I have a valid claim against apple and I'm sure some lawyer would love to initiate a class action lawsuit citing unfair business practicesAs for those of you who disagree I hope someone is more charitable to you next time you make a mistake.
Karma can be a cruel mistress after all...


They should have to pay

[branjosef]

Actually really annoyed about that. I am over 18 (over 30) and I think I should be allowed to choose if I want porn on my Iphone! It would be a huge market and I think they could quite easily hide it and make you agree to a declaration before giving you access to it.

Personally, depsite my love of porn ;-) I don't and won't keep porn on my phone due to the fact I have a 2 year old who plays constantly with my iphone and watches thomas the tank engine etc..... the last thing I need is him watching hard core filth on it!

Nice of apple to make the moral choices for me though.....sigh.

I have a grandma who is constantly touching my iphone and I don't know what I would do if apple allowed porn apps- because she would do nothing but download hard core stuff. Thanks apple for helping me :eek:

[bennyboi]

Bravo! Put it back up!!!

[Ori]

I really can't understand the lack of compassion shown by this crowd. Nobody bought this app on purpose, or because they're stupid. I guarantee all 8 purchases were the result of mishaps with '1-click purchase', and I'm prety sure that is exactly what the "developer" was banking on when he wrote it.



And how do you know that? How do you know nobody bought this app on purpose? You claim to know for sure and so far there has only been one person complaining that he accidently bought it because of 1-click (I may be wrong!).

If it was still out there I would buy it deliberatly just to prove a point to you! ;-)

[Ori]

I have a grandma who is constantly touching my iphone and I don't know what I would do if apple allowed porn apps- because she would do nothing but download hard core stuff. Thanks apple for helping me :eek:

There are safeguards you can put in place to block adult content. It can even be an option you have to locate and enter a pin before allowing adult content.

I am tired of apple telling me what I can and can't do all the time. As I said I wouldn't have it on my phone because of my son, but I should have the choice.

[ariel]

And how do you know that? How do you know nobody bought this app on purpose? You claim to know for sure and so far there has only been one person complaining that he accidently bought it because of 1-click (I may be wrong!).

If it was still out there I would buy it deliberatly just to prove a point to you! ;-)

Send me a check for $1000 and i'll tell everyone how rich you are.

PM me and i'll give you the address to send it to - or better yet, i'll take it via PayPal if you'd like.

[DreamPod]

Why did Apple chose not to allow porn? Because it wouldn't sell? (Yeah, right.) No, it's because it would reflect poorly on them as a company.

But that's a different situation, because Apple specifically says you can't have porn in your Apps. That is one of their terms, developers can see that rule and choose not to put porn in their apps so their apps will get (and stay) published. There is no rule at all stating that your App has to provide equivalent value to its price, or what standards Apple will use to determine that. By pulling this App with no explanation, it makes me wonder, as a developer, if I release a game I think is worth $20, will Apple pull it, making all the money I spent developing it a waste of money? Maybe I just shouldn't develop the game for iPhone in the first place? Since there is no rule I can follow, there's no way I can tell if I'm wasting a hundred grand on development costs or not.

Just how do you know how to use it 'properly' when Apple has programmed it to work differently than every other part of the store? iTunes is ignoring my "add to cart" choice in the preferences and for an application does "instant purchase" - the only way to learn that is to click the buy button.

So, you are saying that the very first application someone would click on would be this $999.99 one??? Yes, apps work slightly differently, but once you click on one app, you'll know about it. As well, if you have "add to cart" setup in your preferences, then you don't have single-click purchases enabled, so you *will* get a confirmation "are you sure". Not to mention, why would anybody click on the "buy" button on this if they didn't want to buy it? I don't see why a single person would do that. If they did so and somehow accidentally bought it, then that was their own damn fault for doing something stupid. And if it was someone's kid, then that person was at fault for giving the phone to their kid and leaving credit card purchases available without entering in a password. The kid could just as easily buy a whole bunch of games - there are 25 games available at $9.99. Or if the kid is click things randomly, there are a couple finance apps for sale at $449.99 a piece.

1) mistaking 999. for 9.99
It was $999.99. Anybody who would mistake that for 9.99 needs to pay a whole lot more attention, and if anyone did mistake that and buy it, I guarantee they'll be paying more attention from now on :)

[lindsayanng]

There are safeguards you can put in place to block adult content. It can even be an option you have to locate and enter a pin before allowing adult content.

I am tired of apple telling me what I can and can't do all the time. As I said I wouldn't have it on my phone because of my son, but I should have the choice.

you do have the CHOICE, just not through the app store. You have access to ANY website you choose, you can download ANY videos or images you want and add them to your library. They arent sensoring WHAT you can put on your phone, they are just not offering it through their own store.

[javierbds]

First, an anti-USA remark : They are so full of lawyers that they need to point that hot coffee can burn you in coffee cups...
Second, the app is a very bad taste joke for people in general, but a liability for Apple ...
Yet, it seems the model for selling sw in the Apple Store is too simple:
The "click and then it yours" model for sw apps in the Apple Store is going to give problems. I mean, there are reason for the different models of sw purchase that have evolved, and it seems the Apple Store model just takes into account pricing ... What about try-before-you-buy, or pay per use, or lite version and full version, revisions ... How does that work now with the Apple Store? Can I try an app in a sandbox env before buying, for example?

[ariel]

So, you are saying that the very first application someone would click on would be this $999.99 one??? Yes, apps work slightly differently, but once you click on one app, you'll know about it. As well, if you have "add to cart" setup in your preferences, then you don't have single-click purchases enabled, so you *will* get a confirmation "are you sure".

I see no reason for the Application store to work differently than the rest of the iTunes store. If i have the preference set for the shopping cart, then i EXPECT the app store to work exactly the same way - and so will everyone else. To have it behave differently is wrong.

I have my store set up the way you describe and i do NOT get any confirmation "are you sure" stuff when i click on a paid app.

[whooleytoo]

All I can say is:

Thank God Apple had the foresight to prompt for a password when you purchase anything via the phone's App Store. I have friends who are just evil enough to borrow my phone and buy this while I'm not looking! :eek:

[hppeeves]

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.

I agree 100%. My feelings exactly.

[splintah]

kudos to the developer

best proof for how powerful a good idea is
well i wouldnt even call it a good idea
but you just gotta believe in it and do it - thats what most do not do

[Xtoo]

The guy stating he "made a mistake" is a jack ass. How can you make a mistake "with your friends" and you have a wife? Are you 12y/o? Poor wife must have the most retarded husband in modern times. Let's hope they don't end up having moronic children.

What's wrong with this idiots?

[ariel]

The guy stating he "made a mistake" is a jack ass. How can you make a mistake "with your friends" and you have a wife? Are you 12y/o? Poor wife must have the most retarded husband in modern times. Let's hope they don't end up having moronic children.

What's wrong with this idiots?

quick to judge aren't you? I'm so glad you're perfect.

[sneakyob]

I would think that if any of those 8 bought the app by accident that they would just deny the charge to the credit card company. Most on-line transactions that occur can easily be denied and then they would not be out the money.

[imapfsr]

I didnt read all seven pages so Im probably not the first to say it but.....any of you who are calling the developer a scammer or anything like that just cannot admit they are jelous. He had a GREAT IDEA and went with it. He did nothing wrong, clearly stated that this app was only to be used as a status thing and he also knew that anyone who would be willing to buy it would pay the max $999 price to show off to all thier richie friends so GOOD FOR HIM and frick, why didnt I think of it. Apple better bring it back and let this guy make his money, he did nothing wrong.
Then to top it off all of you Einstein's automatically think that the 8 that sold were done on accident. Come on, in this world there are plenty of people that have iPhones that $999 is like 5 cents to you and me and just having that little red gem glowing on their home screen says LOOK AT ME I AM RICH cause they know that anyone in the iPhone community and more now see that and know what it means. If I had a dispensable income I would too and so would all of you guys.
My two bits

[thecrackerjack]

I say this is a great app aimed at a very accessible target group.

I personally see this as being no different then a wrist watch. You can buy a nice watch at a discount store for 25$, or you can go to a jewelery store and buy one for 5000$ plus dollars.... the difference? They both tell time... they both are worn on your wrist... the cheaper one likely has an alarm on it as well.

Price, and showing off. People buy ridiculously priced things because they can. Not for the function.

Again I say the developer (drag and dropper) for this app did a great job at taking advantage of a target market.

[sartis]

Wow, how many of those purchases do you think were accidental?

How can any be accidental? When I buy things from the app store, I have to type in my itunes password.....These people knew what they were buying...

[Much Ado]

How can any be accidental? When I buy things from the app store, I have to type in my itunes password.....These people knew what they were buying...

Perhaps you ought to re-read some of the previous posts re: one click purchases.

(Although I doubt many were accidental at all).

[Ori]

Send me a check for $1000 and i'll tell everyone how rich you are.

PM me and i'll give you the address to send it to - or better yet, i'll take it via PayPal if you'd like.

Whats your paypal account I will transfer it now....lol

Oh damn I accidently hit send on this...is this a binding contract?

[riversky]

I have no idea why Apple pulled it. I think he could sue Apple if he didn't violate the terms of the service.....He would make a lot more than $5600 in that lawsuit. In fact I would suggest he do just that.

This is a transfer of wealth from the rich to a working man. What is the problem with that? If someone wants to pay for something like that, let them.

[Arran]

I would think that if any of those 8 bought the app by accident that they would just deny the charge to the credit card company.

Indeed. But then the credit card company refuses to settle with Apple. And then Apple refuses to settle with the developer. And then the developer sues Apple. And then it gets ugly.

And then, all the starry-eyed developers that Apple is trying to attract to the platform, get disillusioned and cynical and start calling their lawyers before signing up with Apple.

And then the lawyers toast each other with champagne. Quite rightly! :)

[fandsw]

The real reason Apple pulled it: if they hadn't the App store would be clogged with 50 gazillion copycat "I am rich" apps......

[Trajectory]

The app was listed for $999.99.

How can you mistake that for $9.99?

Apple was right to pull it. Otherwise the app store would be overrun with copycat apps, which will cheapen the whole concept like MySpace.

[whooleytoo]

Meh.. I'm going to release an app that fills your contacts with hundreds of cool sounding random names & phone numbers to show off. Called: I Am Popular

[Mitch1984]

The guy stating he "made a mistake" is a jack ass. How can you make a mistake "with your friends" and you have a wife? Are you 12y/o? Poor wife must have the most retarded husband in modern times. Let's hope they don't end up having moronic children.

What's wrong with this idiots?

It was Peter Griffin who bought the app and regretted it.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/robert817/motivational/temptation.jpg

[Bearxor]

UH

The 8 or 9 people who purchased this app are most certainly a statistical glitch.

such as:

1) mistaking 999. for 9.99
2) mistaken location of links and buttons (hitting wrong app).
3) other random results.
4) juveniles with stolen credit cards (or parents/sibling cards)

Yet you all seem to imagine other scenarios where some nouveau riche are flaunting money while wallowing in hubris .

such imaginations.
Yeah, you just wait until Entourage airs... They'll show ya!

[Arran]

... Apple was right to pull it. Otherwise the app store would be overrun with copycat apps, which will cheapen the whole concept like MySpace.

I agree. The app store is like the Wild West right now. It's decidedly un-Apple like. (I wonder if it's been outsourced to a 3rd party?)

And if you read some of so-called app store "reviews" they do, indeed, read like MySpace thread-wars. Apple needs to segment the store or something. Right now it's a cross between Neiman Marcus and Dollar General (or Harrods and PoundStretcher, if you live in the UK).

[tgildred]

I can pretty much guarantee that one of those 8 was Steve Jobs.

I'm thinking Ted Turner and Paris Hilton as well. That's three. Who are the other 5?

[D4F]

quick to judge aren't you? I'm so glad you're perfect.

He doesn't need to be perfect. It's enough that he is not a retarded idiot like the guy that did purchase the app and now cries like a carebear stripped of it's fur.

[branjosef]

I agree. The app store is like the Wild West right now. It's decidedly un-Apple like. (I wonder if it's been outsourced to a 3rd party?)

And if you read some of so-called app store "reviews" they do, indeed, read like MySpace thread-wars. Apple needs to segment the store or something. Right now it's a cross between Neiman Marcus and Dollar General (or Harrods and PoundStretcher, if you live in the UK).

Am I the only to notice that some of the developers have been commenting on their own apps trying to manipulate the review rating? I saw one in which someone said that the app was buggy and needed some work. he gave it one star, but then the developer came back and gave some review telling the first guy to read the instructions and it's not buggy. Then he gave himself 4 stars. It reminded me of ebay when someone gave a bad rating and the seller replies with something stupid as if that justifies the original problem. The end result is an app with rating in the middle. Some developers submit multiple reviews and don't even try hiding it resulting in a highly rated app. I think apple should not allow the original developer to post his/her own reviews on their own app (although I have no idea how you would regulate it). Got to love capitalism

[branjosef]

It was Peter Griffin who bought the app and regretted it.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/robert817/motivational/temptation.jpg

I wish I was Peter Griffin :rolleyes:

[ldkaplan]

I thought we were talking about Apple one-click, not amazon. And I can't recall, doesn't Amazon one-click give you a confirmation page before charging you?

Better go tell Amazon.com and the countless other sites that have one click purchasing enabled for their stores

Hickman

[branjosef]

quick to judge aren't you? I'm so glad you're perfect.

Are you one of the lucky 8? you're like the only one defending them. Could I get a copy of the app ;)

I just want an app for middle class broke ass people... I think instead of a diamond, it should be a picture of a chevy cavalier with the caption "one day, I will win american idol"

[branjosef]

I wonder if Apple would pull my app if I created one that when you download, I would be obligated to give the buyer $999.99. I would charge just $1.00 and after the transaction completes. I would send a money order within 30 days. I wonder if apple would pull that.

[branjosef]

Of course I would do this for a month. Probably get a million people sending me money and then when it came time to pay...just file bankruptcy and keep everything BOOOHAAAAA HAAAAAA publicly I would just say I'm sorry and ask for forgiveness citing I was just playing around and didn't know better. things happen- can't we all get along... :D

[joeconvert]

I dont think the developer is a genius or smart in anyway .. are you smart if you do something illegal ... i dont think so ...

Illegal? Give me a break. Nothing illegal about it. The only thing involving legality is your libelous comment. Lucky for you that's a civil matter.

[rockosmodurnlif]

Nobody is going to make any money from the app. It's not a serious app. How could any one possibly take this seriously? Of course the app got pulled. Especially after people started clicking the buy button.

[dc73pd]

how stupid are these people? a $1K app for a red dot on your screen. Obviously money doesnt breed intelligence. Good for the app developer in getting these idiots to buy an absolutely useless app.... only in the good ole USA!!!!

[NotFound]

UH
Yet you all seem to imagine other scenarios where some nouveau riche are flaunting money while wallowing in hubris .

such imaginations.

Scenarios? I've been around much more frivolous spending than $1000 on an iphone application. And I've been around the kind of people who would do just that. So no, I don't believe this is a scenario. You can't rule out any possibility because the choices made by humans seem to amaze me everyday.

[NotFound]

only in the good ole USA!!!!

Actually in the good ole USA, France, and Germany. ;)

[mashinhead]

it never ceases to amaze me how many idiots there are out there......

8 ppl out of god knows how many that download from the itunes store, is a pretty small percentage.

[JML42691]

How can any be accidental? When I buy things from the app store, I have to type in my itunes password.....These people knew what they were buying...
It is called "one-click" purchase, once you hit the "Buy Now" button, it immediately begins to download and your card is charged.

[ninjapenguinart]

I have no idea why Apple pulled it. I think he could sue Apple if he didn't violate the terms of the service.....He would make a lot more than $5600 in that lawsuit. In fact I would suggest he do just that.

This is a transfer of wealth from the rich to a working man. What is the problem with that? If someone wants to pay for something like that, let them.

He was just trying to speed up the taxing process for social projects and just guarantee that he is one of the lucky few! I guess Apple is against Socialism. :p

Yay Capitalism :D

[nick9191]

He should have included say an easy game or something that way Apple couldn't remove it since it had a clear point.

[krye]

This app was a a money trap. Sold with intent to get people's money and not to provide and real goods or services. Very sneaky and deceitful. I hope those 8 people can put a stop payment on their credit cards.

[lindsayanng]

no its not.. i can bet that the dev. just wanted to put it out to see/make a comment on that fact that there ARE people out there who will throw around money for silly, frivilous, status items.. I would LOVE it if it the dev. came by here and mentioned to us his thought process. I bet the guy didnt even EXPECT to sell any, but then again, theres a small ****, big headed guy out there that needs to compensate for his lacking.

[manhattanboy]

I think we're all jealous. The developer is a genius, and Apple is wrong for pulling it.

yeah... but it's sort of like taking candy from a baby.
You're glad you have the candy but can't help but feeling a little guilty about it.

[alphaod]

This app was a a money trap. Sold with intent to get people's money and not to provide and real goods or services. Very sneaky and deceitful. I hope those 8 people can put a stop payment on their credit cards.

How is it a trap; anyone sensible enough would have realized it was a joke.

[JML42691]

How is it a trap; anyone sensible enough would have realized it was a joke.
You didn't even need (common) sense, the description of the entire app was right there on the page, "To remind you that you are rich." Anybody with half a brain could have figured out what the app was. And anybody who values an application and a download over the internet at a $1,000 is just plain stupid.

[joeconvert]

This app was a a money trap. Sold with intent to get people's money and not to provide and real goods or services. Very sneaky and deceitful. I hope those 8 people can put a stop payment on their credit cards.

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet one of the proponents of the nanny state.

[wronski]

This app was a a money trap. Sold with intent to get people's money and not to provide and real goods or services. Very sneaky and deceitful. I hope those 8 people can put a stop payment on their credit cards.

129083

129084

[nanofrog]

wronski:

The people that purchased it, had '1 click' turned on. :eek:
Personally, I feel a very foolish thing to do. Combined with the fact that they apparently didn't read the product description. So in the end, stupid applies. :p

Though those who payed for the app weren't using any common sense, many, including myself, still are left with a sense of "That's just wrong" on behalf of the seller.

[Stella]

wronski:

The people that purchased it, had '1 click' turned on. :eek:


Quite a few of us would be interested in backing up your statement with evidence. Thanks.

People throw stupid money at all kind of things. Just maybe, there were people out there who thought this app was a great exclusive 'fashion item' to go with their phone.

[(L)]

$8000 does not warrant this much discussion.

[D4F]

how stupid are these people? a $1K app for a red dot on your screen. Obviously money doesnt breed intelligence. Good for the app developer in getting these idiots to buy an absolutely useless app.... only in the good ole USA!!!!

What does intelligence have to do with having a big pocket?
You're the idiot here even suggesting something like this.

If I want to go out and throw money out I will. None of your ****ing business. Don't you get it??

[Jayden0606]

Honestly... if I see someone with that app on their iPhone, I'm not thinking stupid at all. I am thinking this person has some serious $$$ flow.

[sushi]

This app was a a money trap. Sold with intent to get people's money and not to provide and real goods or services. Very sneaky and deceitful. I hope those 8 people can put a stop payment on their credit cards.
Oh give us a break.

Individuals are responsible for their purchases provided the item was listed truthfully and accurately.

Which in this case, it was.

You didn't even need (common) sense, the description of the entire app was right there on the page, "To remind you that you are rich." Anybody with half a brain could have figured out what the app was. And anybody who values an application and a download over the internet at a $1,000 is just plain stupid.
Yep, anybody with half a brain.

Guess those who don't have half a brain need to have protection. Jezz.

Anybody who purchased this app without knowing its features, did not read the description which was simply written and informative.

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet one of the proponents of the nanny state.
Had to laugh at that. So true. Instead of accepting responsibility for their actions, everyone wants the government or some other entity to protect them from ... themselves. Sad indeed.

Honestly... if I see someone with that app on their iPhone, I'm not thinking stupid at all. I am thinking this person has some serious $$$ flow.
:)

[Consultant]

Haha, I wonder how many were like, "oh look at this funny app for $999.99... oh crap I pressed the buy button"

At least 2 people have gotten refunds for doing exactly that. Compulsive buyers...

[sushi]

At least 2 people have gotten refunds for doing exactly that. Compulsive buyers...
Source please?

[devobail]

I've read thru alot of these post and really cant believe what I'm reading. True the app was listed truthful and all that but come on! Apple did the right thing by pulling the app thats just good business, I'll bet they dont charge the people who bought it because quite simply their system failed in this case.

Short back story I just bought an iphone two weeks ago first apple product, never used itunes in my life. i do however have two teenagers with itunes accounts tied to my credit card. They are allowed a certain amount of purchases a month and sometimes a little more when they do something extraordinary. I've never had a problem with them screwing up, but OH MY GOD. If one of them messed up like that theyd be on the side of a milk carton! I'll bet you two shiny red pennies that at least one of those purchaces happened just like that.

For that reason alone I bet apple wont let this happen again, because quite frankly I'm thinking of pulling my kids accounts at this very moment. 99 cent songs are one thing but it's a little unsettling knowing that a stupid mistake by a kid could cost me a grand.

[miketcool]

\For that reason alone I bet apple wont let this happen again, because quite frankly I'm thinking of pulling my kids accounts at this very moment. 99 cent songs are one thing but it's a little unsettling knowing that a stupid mistake by a kid could cost me a grand.

Where are your car keys, kitchen knives, footballs and/or neighbors. Welcome to being a parent. I can think at least 300 ways a kid could cost you at least $10k.

[MrSmith]

Jumping to the end of the thread, but I was under the impression Apple stores were there to offer useful apps. In no way was this useful. For that reason it shouldn't have been included in the inventory list. At the same time, I don't think the developer did anything immoral at all and certainly shouldn't have to repay the money. Caveat emptor and all that.

[devobail]

Where are your car keys, kitchen knives, footballs and/or neighbors. Welcome to being a parent. I can think at least 300 ways a kid could cost you at least $10k.

Welcome to being a parent? Thats funny i've got a kid YOUR age. My car keys are in my pocket, my kitchen knivies are in the kitchen drawer, footballs in my sons closet (where youre going with that one I dont know:confused:) and my neighbors are at home or at work, I dont know dont care.

Point is outta those 300 ways you know that a kid can cost me 10K (even though I thought we were talking about 1k) I've probably experienced 299. I don't need itunes being number 300.

[arjaosx]

I dont think the developer is a genius or smart in anyway .. are you smart if you do something illegal ... i dont think so ...

But was that app illegal? No it wasn't, the developer did not even try to trick people since he openly declared that the app does not do anything and is a plain artwork to show how rich one is.

And how could doing something illegal be classified as dumb? A lot of scammers are smart.

[Haruk]

anyone who 'accidentally' bought it is a complete idiot and deserves losing 1 grand because of their stupidity.
natural selection at its finest

[wronski]

I dont think the developer is a genius or smart in anyway .. are you smart if you do something illegal ... i dont think so ...

Just wanted to note that doing something illegal doesn't make you dumb.

[Niiro13]

Dude, why are people still arguing about this?

It's possible to get owned by the one click...

But isn't it also possible that 8 people out of 16 million iPhones (3Gs too) and iPod Touches actually WANTED to buy and KNEW what they were buying?

It's 8 out of 16 mil.

It's easily possible.

[fleshman03]

Remember, not only did the developer make $5600, Apple made $2100!


That's what I was thinking. You would have thought that Apple would have wanted to keep it. Especially since it has the potential to make them so much money.

[sushi]

I dont think the developer is a genius or smart in anyway .. are you smart if you do something illegal ... i dont think so ...
Curious. Why do you say it was illegal?

Here is the listing. Please show me any misrepresentation or anything illegal with the listing.

[nayxn2nayxn]

does anyone know if i can find a torrent for this app?

[MacGeek7]

does anyone know if i can find a torrent for this app?

I wouldn't recommend asking that sort of question here in the forums ;)

[Funplex]

I have no doubt that Apple will reverse these purchases. I've been refunded before, and if memory serves, there was an option to request assistance for when you've accidentally purchased something.

[tedsmith3rd]

Just because you can trick stupid people (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6006361#post6006361), that doesn't mean you should.

I'm glad Apple pulled the app. The developer agreement states that Apple has that right and can exercise it for basically any reason. In this case the app was barely an app at all and it generated a non-trivial amount of negative press (http://news.google.com/news?q=iphone+%22i+am+rich%22) that detracted from the reputation of the app store.

Can you imagine how much outrage there would be if an app like this had been produced by Apple or Microsoft? They'd never live it down. Why is it any more reasonable coming from an ISV?

Someone suggested that by pulling the app we are somehow heading down the road to a "nanny state," but I can't figure out where they're getting the "state" part. Certainly we can agree that Apple has the right to look out for it's own brands and the quality of it's own goods and services, right? I'm sure quite a few people at Apple (including shareholders) would be hesitant to profit from this kind of snake oil. They needed to draw a line somewhere and this seems like a good place to do it. There are so many great apps that are plainly more deserving of the attention and the money. I mean holy crap... have you seen BeatMaker (http://www.youtube.com/user/IntuaTeam)?

[weaponofgod]

All this back and forth with EricNau. Eric is 100% right.

Sure, the app was funny. Yes, idiots may deserve to lose their money. And absolutely the app was not dishonest or a scam. It may even be possible that some of the 8 chose to buy the app knowing full well what it was (though I suspect all 8 probably made a stupid mistake).

All of that is irrelevant if the app makes Apple look bad. And if there is any doubt, just look at the reviews the app got. Obviously it's down now, but it was several hundred 1-star reviews from people complaining about Apple and/or the developer. There were positive reviews from those that found it funny, but these were by far the minority.

I guess anytime we don't like something at the online store we should give it a low rating. Maybe we should all go over and give the Mac Mini 1 star. I wonder if they would take it down.

[branjosef]

This app was a a money trap. Sold with intent to get people's money and not to provide and real goods or services. Very sneaky and deceitful. I hope those 8 people can put a stop payment on their credit cards.

When I read this comment I thought it said "monkey trap" at which I would have responded... How in the world could this be a monkey trap. There's no transactions when they get caught and the monkeys don't complain - they just scratch themselves. My bad. :rolleyes:

[cmmorrison]

Just because you can trick stupid people (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6006361#post6006361), that doesn't mean you should.


you can send them to...

http://tinyurl.com/672jaq instead :0

[Insulin Junkie]

Somehow I can't refrain from thinking about how much good that money could do if it was donated to a trustworthy charity instead of spent on a useless app.

/ righteousness.

[fastbite]

Somehow I can't refrain from thinking about how much good that money could do if it was donated to a trustworthy charity instead of spent on a useless app.

/ righteousness.

Shut up.
that was a 15 minutes thing and that's that. So Shut up.

[Insulin Junkie]

Shut up.
that was a 15 minutes thing and that's that. So Shut up.

Even if it was a 2 minute thing, I have the right to comment on it, [so does everyone, as long as a thread isn't locked] even a couple of days afterwards.
I suggest you have your attitude tuned.

[tlove]

One more feature of the iPhone that apple won't let you exploit, IT MAKES YOU RICH!!! and only for the low cost of $999.99. Being rich is definitely worth 1000 bucks. I mean think about it. 1000 bucks makes you rich instantly. Thumbs down to you Mr. Jobs for not helping the middle class,:(

[battlaxx]

so crazy

[Lesser Evets]

One more feature of the iPhone that apple won't let you exploit, IT MAKES YOU RICH!!! ... Thumbs down to you Mr. Jobs for not helping the middle class,:(

How dare he.