Apple's Walled Garden Petition

Hello all,

If you are becoming increasing frustrated with Apple’s denial to independent iPhone developers applications to the ONE legal marketplace, the iTunes Apps, please read on.

I ask that you read my comments to Apple on their iPhone application selection process. If you agree, please take the time to write to Apple and let them know that how you feel about their current practices. You can do so by visiting this link on on the Apple.com website (http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html). If you are a developer of iPhone applications you can follow this link (http://developer.apple.com/contact/).

What pushed me to do this campaign was an blog posting from one developer I came across. (http://almerica.blogspot.com/2008/09/podcaster-rejeceted-because-it.html) After reading so many similar posts, I felt that consumer voices needed to be heard by Apple. You can simply use my on comments (see below) but original voices would be best.

This consumer comment is driven by the latest story of an iPhone developer having his product rejected by your company. Of course I have only heard one side of this story, and I am not privy to the rejected application. But these stories of unjustified rejections are increasing. I have to assume some truth exists in the iPhone/iPod Touch developer community in regards to this matter. The story I refer to which inspired me to voice my concern to your company can be found here: http://almerica.blogspot.com/2008/09/podcaster-rejeceted-because-it.html

I have to begin my comment with this statement: I am a long time Apple consumer, going back to the days of System 6 and the Macintosh Plus. I’ve been a defender of the brand through it’s darkest days right through to the Golden Age today. Freedom of choice, usability, functionality and superior production and quality assurance have been my points as I preached on the soapbox. But I’m increasing frustrated with Apple’s position on these points since the introduction of the iPhone and it’s relationship with AT&T here in the US.

Freedom of Choice is becoming less apparent today since the introduction of the Apps store for the iPhone/iPod Touch. My assumption is that this is a caveat due to the relationship with AT&T; a brand that has never really upheld Apple’s traditional corporate values. If this is the case, Apple should re-consider this relationship, as it it having a bad PR affect on it’s own brand name and reputation.