"Draw Something" is one of the highest grossing apps on the UK appstore right now. They have a free and paid version. You could take some clues from them.
The great thing about getting money is that you can buy traction with it.
The great thing about getting money is that you can buy traction with it.
They limited some features so they can charge for them. You only get a few colors but can buy more. You get "bombs" that act as hints and can buy more.
One thing they don't do yet is have a way to share your drawing (or animated replay) on Facebook. That would be a big help. I read about a "paint for cats" iPad app (I think the one below) that added a "Share this painting on Facebook" button and it blew up his traffic. Not sure it really applies to illico but it could to a more visual app. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paint-for-cats/id427702410?mt...
That's one of the best lines I've read on HN in a while. I think it ought to be a mantra for app store developers.