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Gaming the App Store
space_in_your_face writes "Want to boost the popularity of your latest iPhone app? Ask Reverb Communications! 'When it comes to winning in the App Store, this PR firm has discovered a dynamite strategy: throw ethics out the window. Reverb Communications, a PR firm that represents dozens of game publishers and developers, has managed to find astounding success on Apple's App Store for its clients. Among its various tactics? It hires a team of interns to trawl iTunes and other community forums posing as real users, and has them write positive reviews for their client's applications. ... Reverb claims that their clients have sold over $2 billion of product under their watch.'"
They "worked on" rockband... I wondered why it had so many good reviews.
When in doubt, lie, cheat, and steal. Strong ethics and morales will get you nowhere in this world kids.
Yes, this is true. At Petroleum Conglomerate (R), a friendly family owned company I know of, they have the strongest ethics. I think they are a real model that other companies should follow, with a strong core of values and a clear mission to improve the world through intelligent energy solutions. This is in stark contrast to the public image some would have you believe. In fact, they have teamed with Tobacco International (R) and with Weapons Systems Technological (R) to donate a percent of their proceeds to charities. I even heard that they are all having a 20% off sale until the end of the month. I know I'm going to order some oil, smokes, and a STA missile right now! You should too! (Offer may not be valid in all areas.)
Just callin' it like I see it.
But suppose an app were absolutely perfect. Then what happens?
To quote xkcd, "Somewhere out there is a company that has actually figured out how to enlarge penises, and it's helpless to reach potential customers."
Especially when it comes to advertising to isheep. These will eat up anything that will give them better social status, even if its just for a day and they can feel better then their other isheep cohorts.
by TheSpoom (715771) Uncaring Linux user here. I have nothing to add to this but please continue. *munches popcorn*
Wait, what??? You mean my Three Wolf Moon T-shirt really won't score me any dates? Should I cancel my Zubaz pants as well?
Support a great indie game: http://www.abaddon360.com
At least they're not apping the game store. I'm still paying off my legal bills.
You're 100% correct. Although I probably would never do this, the first thought that popped into my head was "Hey, I should bookmark this in case I ever get around to writing that app".
Name...That...Autocomplete!
Obviously one of their interns is also a /. sumitter.
The real Sig captains the Northwestern. This one captains
Apple takes 30% so for someone to make $1.2m they need to sell $1.56m in games. For $1 apps that's one and a half million but for a $10 game that's only 150K - which is barely into 'hit' territory for box shelf games.
If you have a game that's good and garners decent amounts of attention then you'll make millions on the iPhone. Thus the PR firm - to make sure your product gets noticed.
Full disclosure I work for a game studio that's doing iPhone games. No we don't use a PR firm as our products are good enough we don't need to.
I read this 4 times because of the unclosed perens... man, I need to get a better parser
What's even funnier still is that there's an app for that.
Computer did not feed my kitten.
Nerd rage is the funniest rage.
Jesus, now I can't use a goddamn comma.
-The world would be a better place if everyone had a hoverboard
There is a movement in the PR Industry to end astroturfing.
Man, the NewPR is great, iddn't it? It isn't utter crap like those other PR sites.
"I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)