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An open letter to all reviewers
Fri, 12/19/2008 - 19:32
Hello,
I have been on this website for over a week now and I have so far enjoyed the experience. I have received some promo codes from some developers, and I am currently in the process of reviewing these apps. Whenever a developer is kind enough to send me a promo code I am always nice enough to post a quick, few sentences at most, review of the app on the respective iTunes page, along side a more in depth review on my website. This helps the developer for the most part, but some of your are hurting more then helping when it comes to this.
I see some people post things like "Thanks for the free promo code!" or even worse "Wow I got this for free!! Five stars!!". I would like to say that this does not help that developer in any way. It destroys your review using words like "got this for free" or "thanks for the promo code!". Other people interested in the app will just grace past your review and read others, or may even back out of buying the app because the reviews seem phony.
One other thing, just because you received the app for free does not automatically mean that you go to the App Store and give that app a four or five star rating. This does not help the developer in any way. If you think a game or app sucks give it a bad score, but don't stop there! Feel free to contact the developer about concerns or improvements you may have that could him/her with that app. Let people know what you think in the review area, while still being positive and always leave words explaining room for improvement.
If the developer is nice enough to give something free to review do just that, review it. Don't shower it with nice words if it doesn't deserve it. Be honest with yourself and the developer when it comes to the review.
Thanks and here's to the continued growth of this website,
-Matt
Sat, 12/20/2008 - 09:33
#2
Same here, good point matt
Same here, good point matt
Sat, 12/20/2008 - 11:18
#3
I completely agree!
I agree with you matt. People think that the developer will favor them just because the you gave the developer a better rating. People have to start realizing that you're just hurting the developer by not giving them anything to improve on. So yeah, I agree.
Sat, 12/20/2008 - 14:41
#4
Roger that. There's nothing
Roger that. There's nothing worse than a false opinion. I know when I'm working on a project and ask for an opinion I really want a legit answer.
Sat, 12/20/2008 - 17:02
#5
Right on
I agree too. As a developer, I want to know if my apps are missing something that could take them to the next level. That's why I've given out codes through this site.
I'd also like to add: if someone gives you a code, PLEASE review their app. I realize that a lot of people probably come here thinking "ooh, I can get stuff for free," and that's cool... but if you're not going to spend the price of a coffee to get an app, at least spend a few minutes of your time to give them a review in return. It doesn't have to be a 500 word essay; just a few lines about what you liked or didn't like.
Sat, 12/20/2008 - 19:12
#6
Well said
Well said
Sun, 12/21/2008 - 00:20
#7
Well put.
Matt,
Thank you for putting it so well. I agree as well.
Cheers.
Tue, 12/30/2008 - 11:28
#8
Very well put! It is only
Very well put! It is only helpful to a developer if you are posting the truth. I review apps as I play and get then or purchase them. Feedback is the only way the devs know if they are doing the right thing or wrong thing.
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 23:17
#9
Agree. But I have been
Agree. But I have been getting some damaging and inconstructive reviews from the user getting a promocodes here.
I agree, that developers should get feedbacks from users so that we can improve the app. But leaving
1 star or 2 stars is pretty much damaging. The reviews are so damaging too, mostly just say this doesnt work, or that doesnt look good. But never stated why. I prefer emails from users to give feedbacks for my app.
And I think that some users really need to learn to read the description before downloading the app. The description section that Apple provide is there for a reason.
I FULLY agree. great post.