I really didn't want to write this post, but something has been bugging me for quite a while.
It seems that every time a new app is announced, or added to the app directory, that costs ANY amount of money, the first thing people do is ask for coupon codes. The app could cost one dollar, but that's still too much...
I understand some people may be on low income. I've been there myself. But we have to be willing to pay for things that have value, be it independence, entertainment, etc. If the developer gave their apps away to everyone via coupon codes, they could have just put it in the store for free in the first place.
It's great to be able to get a new app as soon as it's announced, but maybe we have to wait a week, month, or whatever until we get paid again. maybe don't buy that $8 cup of coffee one time, and the app is paid for. There are ways to save up a few dollars for something that is useful to us.
We are not entitled to get everything for free. I actually feel that many apps are undervalued in the app store because of how useful they are. It's also partly why so many apps and games people have loved are no longer available. Developing, and maintaining, a game or app costs time and resources. Once the app is released, development isn't done. Bugs need to be fixed. new features need to be added to keep people interested. Developers have to make a living too, and the apps aren't going to make or update themselves.
Please consider supporting developers if you are interested in an app or game, and don't just ask for codes right away. I know this post won't be popular, but I feel it needs to be said.
Comments
I agree
Some people just feel that everything is supposed to be for free. If I can't afford an app I will never ask for a coupon. That's a disrespect. That doesn't mean I won't buy the app but I will get it eventually.
Well said!
Couldn't have said it better myself. I am sorry that not everyone can afford the usually reasonable prices for most apps. In a perfect world, we'd all be able to afford everything we wanted.
I am totally agree.
it is very true, that some people asking for free games, but they don't understand, that develepors has to make an afert to billd audio games.
I hope that people will make mor audio games, like feer.
Think I'd Have to Agree Too
Subject line pretty much sums it up. These devs have to make a living somehow. It's just not fair for people to ask for discounts or coupons all the time. Having said that though, there are some truly great free things out there. The ones with in-app purchases seem really good as well. I for one was on a somewhat limited income, and perhaps still am so I've more or less been avoiding the commercial stuff. But you raise a great point here.
Very true
I haven't seen coupon code requests that often myself, but that might be because I had virtually no time to check these forums even semi-regularly up until now. In any case, though, this post nailed it. I've seen this happening over at audiogames.net and other places more times than even a supercomputer could count. :-)
I used to pirate stuff on a whim back when I was a teenager, but I realized this and changed my habits since then.
It's true that there is a lot of free stuff, but many such apps make their revenue out of in-app purchases or ads, others are just small side projects of larger companies that primarily focus on something entirely different and much more commercially attractive, or developed by a single person who has a full time job as a senior software engineer at a large company or something like that.
The story is entirely different with small startups though, which is what seems to be the trend with most small apps released these days. The user base does need to support such developers if they ever want to see something else released by them, or their current projects updated and maintained down the line.
Lukas
RE: Coupon Code Requests
Thanks Jesse for having the courage to write about this topic. It's a shame that a forum such as this one even needs to be posted, but a little teaching can go a long way sometimes, as well. I agree with your post. The developers of apps have costs, which, when an app is free, are not offset. Using a bit of discipline to obtain what one desires goes further to ensure that they will appreciate what they have, as opposed to receiving something for nothing. It's like a kit with too many toys. None of them are truly appreciated. Good job.
I agree
Asking for promo codes and such is just like walking in to a store saying
"Can I get this necklace for free?"
and also the developers of the apps actually work very hard on their apps so they deserve some credit. It is a disrespect to ask the developer to get a game for free if it isn't free. Also, there is a reason why they are paid, not free. I remember before I learned about gift cards. I couldn't buy apps at all. But I had to do with the free stuff. Honestly, I understand if some here are short of money but this doesn't justify things. If you cannot afford it, you cannot get it. It's as simple as that.