MacRumors now allows developers of software for Mac OS X (applications, utilities, games, etc.) to start threads to announce, describe, or promote their software products and talk directly to their customers or prospective customers. This parallels a privilege we've already extended to developers of apps for the iPhone and iPod touch (see original announcement).
When we first allowed iPhone developers onboard we didn't know whether it would be good for forum members (useful information and a chance to talk directly to vendors) or bad for forum members (advertising invading forums that were formerly promotion-free). Despite some growing pains (including needing a separate forum for code sharing) we think the experiment was an overall success. Giving Mac developers the same open invitation may cut into our ad revenue but serving our forum members is the top priority.
Mac application developers can create at most one discussion thread for each of their products or major product releases, and only in the Mac Applications forum. They can also offer software giveaways in the Code Sharing and Software Promos forum (formerly Code Sharing). Full details are in the Guidelines for Software Developers.
Promotional posts are not permitted by retail stores, software resellers, distributors, advertising and promotional organizations, or hardware vendors. Only the developers of the software.
A new forum category
To help users navigate the software application forums, and to make clear where software developers can make promotional posts, we have consolidated the four forums involved. They are grouped into the new Apple Applications category on the forum home page:
See our related Forum Reorganization announcement for other changes to the forum layout.
When problems occur
We have found that most software developers follow the rules and guidelines; they are the developers we welcome.
At the same time, we are aware that unscrupulous vendors deliberately promote their software in other areas of the forums and/or shill for products they sell by registering with a personal name and "recommending" their own product as if they are a customer. This is especially prevalent for software that does format conversion (e.g., DVD, video, audio). Please beware of such recommendations.
We rely on forum users to report threads posted in the wrong forum, other errors, and rules violations they see in the forums. Please help us by reporting inappropriate threads or posts, including suspicious product endorsements.
Quick summary for Mac OS X software developers
When we first allowed iPhone developers onboard we didn't know whether it would be good for forum members (useful information and a chance to talk directly to vendors) or bad for forum members (advertising invading forums that were formerly promotion-free). Despite some growing pains (including needing a separate forum for code sharing) we think the experiment was an overall success. Giving Mac developers the same open invitation may cut into our ad revenue but serving our forum members is the top priority.
Mac application developers can create at most one discussion thread for each of their products or major product releases, and only in the Mac Applications forum. They can also offer software giveaways in the Code Sharing and Software Promos forum (formerly Code Sharing). Full details are in the Guidelines for Software Developers.
Promotional posts are not permitted by retail stores, software resellers, distributors, advertising and promotional organizations, or hardware vendors. Only the developers of the software.
A new forum category
To help users navigate the software application forums, and to make clear where software developers can make promotional posts, we have consolidated the four forums involved. They are grouped into the new Apple Applications category on the forum home page:
See our related Forum Reorganization announcement for other changes to the forum layout.
When problems occur
We have found that most software developers follow the rules and guidelines; they are the developers we welcome.
At the same time, we are aware that unscrupulous vendors deliberately promote their software in other areas of the forums and/or shill for products they sell by registering with a personal name and "recommending" their own product as if they are a customer. This is especially prevalent for software that does format conversion (e.g., DVD, video, audio). Please beware of such recommendations.
We rely on forum users to report threads posted in the wrong forum, other errors, and rules violations they see in the forums. Please help us by reporting inappropriate threads or posts, including suspicious product endorsements.
Quick summary for Mac OS X software developers
- Welcome!
- Read and follow the Guidelines for Software Developers.