We just came across an article over at MobileCrunch and find its content quite shocking. It tells the story of app developer Molinker, which had more than 1,000 iPhone apps on the App Store. Yes, you read that one right: “had”. Because they were pulled of the App Store for faking reviews. To be honest, if the accusations are true (and they appear to be true) in this case pulling the apps seems more than justified.

We know of quite some developers that have “helped”  their app reviews and sales. Some may consider this cheating others might just call it a “promotion technique” or “keeping up with the app joneses”. Of course, basically it is cheating.  And if there were an App Store dictionary the Molinker-logo would probably appear right next to the definition of “review faking”. They appear to have systematically created as many as 90 % of their reviews.

But, although the lines may be blurry and this one was a clear case, it reminds us of some other points, which we wanted to share:

• Dependency on Apple: yes, we already knew it, but this one really makes it clear: all developers are at the mercy of Apple. They have the power to make or break a business in an instant.
• Dependency on you: okay, maybe this is a new one. Apple actually does not need you. If you go wrong and Apple finds out, they will cut you off. And pulling more than one thousand apps is different from pulling a few. But their game, their rules.
• Competition on the App Store is tough and cheaters make it harder for the honest ones (to remain honest). We predict we will see a lot more cheating, “helping out” and the like in the future.

 
Think differently? Let us know.