Splasm Software Discussions

I'd like to start by saying how much I love Checkbook Pro and that I can't wait for the iPhone App and the new version for the Mac.

BUT! I'm wondering how you plan on handling the Mac App store and current users. Since the Mac App store does not look for current versions of software already on your computer and then allow you to update them, are those of us who already own Checkbook Pro going to have to pay full price for 2.2 when it's available in the Mac App Store?

Is 2.2 going to be a paid update no matter what, much like 2.0 was over 1.x?

Thanks!

I cannot imagine there'd be a charge for the update, but my concern is about the Mac App Store in general. I've noticed that developers selling on the App Store do not allow for people to download and install software independently of the Store. I would hate for Splasm to do this. I do not intend on upgrading to 10.6.6 until the glitches are worked out, and even then I probably will resist using the Store. I want to be in control of the apps I purchase and use. If it is Apple's policy that developers not offer their apps through their websites for independent download/purchase, this is a bad policy and alienates people like me!

Randy, I hope you are listening!

CheckBook 2.2 will be free for existing users of versions of 2.x, and you will see the update through the built in update mechanism.

We will be selling our products like we always have been, as well at selling them through the app store. If you want to have the app store manage your updates, you will have to buy the app again through the app store because Apple does not supply any kind of tools or ability for us to give existing customers any kind of credit or free download.

We will maintain a presence outside of the store mainly because we can continue to support users that are still using 10.4 and 10.5, we can get updates released immediately instead of a week or two later, along with numerous other reasons. I would list more, but it may turn into a rant. Here is a rant that has already been written and probably does a better job venting than I would: http://www.iwascoding.com/2010/10/21/the-mac-app-store-apple-vs-developers/

Another sticking point not mentioned in the article is that since Apple does not give us any customer information, we cannot contact or verify our own users in regards to support cases or updates. If you email us for help, we have to hope you mention which CheckBook version or product you are using because we can no longer look it up. This means we could also be spending time helping out people that never legitimately purchased the software, which is unfair and taxing to both us and our paid users.

Anyway, whats done is done... and to not have a presence in a the Mac App store would be unwise to say the least. We do appreciate the concern, but rest assured that we will continue offering our products like we always have and hope that Apple doesn't completely destroy the market outside of the Mac App Store. Where else would we get wonderful applications like VLC

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Randy Knoble
Splasm Software
www.Splasm.com

Randy,

Thank you for the quick and excellent answer! I was hoping that this was just what you were planning on doing.

I agree that the App store has it's place and will help get smaller devs better exposure to the now quickly growing numbers of Mac users out there. But it sure does have it's drawbacks for them too!

I can't wait for 2.2 and the iPhone sync!

Yeah Randy and Splasm!

Will you be able to include some form of registration/assigned key from within your CheckBook/Apple App Store version? Would this allow you to build a User database of App Store purchases? And perhaps aid in deciding when updated versions would be free, regardless of whether the original versions were obtained via App Store or web download?