Pocket Rejection - App Store Submission Troubles Hit Home

The app in question is an interface to the App Store, which (to oversimplify) changes the default sort order.

I think the reason that is getting the cold shoulder from Apple is that they're obsessively protective about being the One True Source for iPhone apps, and they do NOT want anyone gaining traction with an alternative method.

Think of it -- if you had a direct feed to iPhone users willing to buy apps, you could potentially use it to make more money from them than Apple. Simply alter the feed to include favored apps, and charge developers for preferential status. You could even develop a little affiliate structure without Apple ever being the wiser.

This goes back to something I've been saying about App Store for a while: they're not your customers. They are Apple's customers. Apple is willing to rent them to you, but ONLY on Apple's terms. If your business model threatens their business model or vision for their zealously guarded Apple Authentic Brand Experience, you will not be allowed to do it.

What you are seeing is "drive by committee" that is so cancerous in companies.

Are you seriously telling me that not one soul at Apple has thought, "Well, silly us, we are making enough money that we can regularly run AppStore commercials on TV and we are also an amazingly innovative company. So let's build a transparent system that works really hard with those developers that are making us so much money."

Someone really needs a spanking. I'd be happy to provide.

A long approval process doesn't imply rejection. I submitted my first app mid September 08. It was finally let into the app store a few days before Christmas. I just got a nice check from APPL yesterday so don't lose hope!