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Apple Considering Google-Like 'Paid Search' On App Store (bloomberg.com)
Apple is considering big changes to the App Store, according to a Bloomberg report. The publication claims that the iPhone maker has a team working on "paid searches" -- something similar to Google's model. Under this, the company will charge its developers for showing their apps among top search results. Apple critic John Gruber writes: This sounds like a terrible idea. The one and only thing Apple should do with App Store search is make it more accurate. They don't need to squeeze any more money from it. More accurate, reliable App Store search would help users and help good developers. It's downright embarrassing that App Store search is still so bad. Google web search is better for searching Apple's App Store than the App Store's built-in search. That's the problem Apple needs to address.
While we're doing Google comparisons ... how about letting developers respond to a confused, erroneous or otherwise misinformed review.
Apple is ridiculously rich because of the high margins on their products. The reason they can have high margins is primarily because they have high customer satisfaction -- and also a great reputation, which is a result of the customer satisfaction. Cluttering their app store with stupid shit like this might make them a few pennies, but it will reduce customer satisfaction.
The search in the app store already sucks so hard that I literally Google what I want first, and then go back and try to "trick" the app store into actually showing it to me.
I hate ads with a passion, but in this case, I doubt paid listings could seriously make it any worse.