socialmedian: It’s Official. Facebook Is Running A Protection Racket On App Developers

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It’s Official. Facebook Is Running A Protection Racket On App Developers

Submitted by Jasongoldberg

6 days ago

Summary

Earlier today Facebook released details on its new Verified App Program for third party developers.

Basically, application developers (there are 48,000 applications on Facebook today) can apply to become a Verified App. If they pass they get a badge and special placement in the Application directory, plus increased communication limits with users, increased visibility in the news feed and some free advertising credits. If they don’t pass, they get stuck into the unwashed masses of apps that aren’t verified because they aren’t “meaningful,” “trustworthy,” or “well designed.” The complete guidelines are here.

Basically, you don’t want to be in the loser group. Facebook users aren’t going to be quick to add an application that couldn’t meet basic competence or honesty standards. A developer trying to get users on an unverified app is sort of like someone trying to get a job as a doctor wi Read the full article

Comments (8)

Jasongoldberg,

6 days ago

As an app developer, damned if you don't, damned if you do. @nishith

Mharwood,

6 days ago

The idea in and of itself I have no problem with, just the slightly too high price tag. An upfront cost before any revenues, at $375, isn't very nice.

Rythan,

6 days ago

The idea of the price is to weed out certain people.

Mharwood,

6 days ago

@Rythan Agreed, it will weed out some of the rubbish. It also threatens to weed out indie developers that can't afford it, but have honest intentions and great ideas.

Rythan,

6 days ago

@Mharwood That is an undesired side effect for sure. However, for those developers, it will mean that they will have to work harder and use the power of social media to get known. Certainly not as easy, but at least they are not forced to pay to publish an app.

Jonprice,

6 days ago

@jasongoldberg hasn't the new tabs UI killed 99% of apps already anyway? and the increasing use of more conversational tools like Twitter and FriendFeed?

Jasongoldberg,

5 days ago

@jonprice Right, but as an app developer you're kinda damned if you don't pay up lest you be marked as not worthy

Rythan,

5 days ago

@jasongoldberg It certainly is a predicament. However, I still agree to a fee to get rid of some of the plethora of useless and clone apps on the site. Like any business, you have to invest in your product/service, be it time, sweat or money. If you believe in your product, (in this case an app) you will find a way to make that investment. In doing so, you gain the rewards of your work and investment. Sure there is a risk in making such an investment, but what business investment does not have risk associated with it? Why should writing an app be any different?

Socialmedian would not be here today without a monetary investment. I am glad that such an investment was made in this idea. There will be apps that people will be glad to see someone invested in too.