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Comment by nticompass | Hacker News Reader

It's not just the Mac App store, it's pretty much ALL app stores that have this issue. Not just for "AI Chat" apps, but ANY (popular) app.

At work, one of my coworkers was running out of disk space on their computer and someone on my team went to help. I suggested a program called "WizTree" (not an endorsement, just what I use) but they wanted to use "WinDirStat".

Anyway, searching the Microsoft app store for "WinDirStat" popped up TONS of fake/bootleg pieces of software, none of which I would ever trust or install. I tried to explain this, but one of those apps was selected and while it did show what the large files were, I assume we'll have to now run a virus scan on that PC.

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> WinDirStat

https://github.com/windirstat/windirstat

Yep, that's the "official" link, but my team member insisted on using the Microsoft Store. WinDirStat is not in the store, but tons of forks/knockoffs are.

Adding "github" to the search query is a solid strategy for finding the right (and legit) software.

A perfect example.

> Install it by downloading the appropriate version for your system from the release page

> Install with winget install -e --id WinDirStat.WinDirStat (or use winget upgrade subsequently)

> Alternatively install with scoop install extras/windirstat (requires scoop bucket add extras)

The what what now? The average user is going to be able to do none of these things.

the average user should be here: https://windirstat.net/download.html

but for both, the first instruction is just plain download. i think the average user can handle that. the others are alternatives for users that are familiar with them. i don't see the problem.

what could be changed is to add a message like: "if you don't know which one is right for you, you probably want this one:" followed by a link to the win-x64 version

To be clear the problem isn't WinDirStat's fault really. The problem is that users won't find that site (nor the GitHub one) because they're trained to go directly to the App Store and look for whatever app they need. And WinDirStat isn't in there, while numerous ripoffs are.

Before I used GitHub and got used to its interface I felt that the majority of repositories used as public-facing websites were the most confusing way to get releases. Why is the source code that seems to need some sort of tool or program to use sitting next to the installation program? Do I need all that extra stuff or can I just use the exe/app? Why is there not a page with a “download here” button that’s as plain and simple as other closed-source programs?

Most people from the unix world use repos (the correct model for software curation basically). When you go for the sources, it's mostly for fringe stuff or library.

I have a somewhat popular (yet still niche) app in the store, when I first launched it it was the only result. There are now a number of copycats. Report filed with Apple, nothing was done.

I’m considering spending the $1k or so to file a trademark on the name, maybe it’ll actually make them do something? The app isn’t making crazy amounts by far, but enough that $1k could be justifiable. If anyone has been through this I’d love to hear their thoughts.

For what it’s worth I know my product is clearly better - my users tell me - but it’s infuriating to see a knockoff show up before my app in the search results when I tell someone to look up the app in the store.

I’m considering spending the $1k or so to file a trademark on the name

Before you do that, try filing a state-level trademark. I've done it in some states for as little as $75. That might be enough to get Apple's attention, and save you $925.

Check with your state's Secretary of State web site.

>it’s infuriating to see a knockoff show up before my app in the search results

Infuriating enough to pay for paid placement at top? :(

Sorry, that stinks, and hope someone can confirm the trademark approach. Disappointing support is not resourced/empowered to resolve this for you.

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