The iTunes App Store should allow people to solicit donations at the time of purchase by providing a "donate" button similar to the "buy" button.
You have the free button, you have the buy button, why not a donate button? What better way for us to reward people who make great software and give it away for free? I know I never really feel like donating when I download software for free (I’m horrible right?), but that’s mainly because it’s a pain. You have to find the website, most likely use PayPal (I don’t), or worry about whatever weird store method/encryption they’re using.
Judging from how little people actually receive from donations makes me think I’m not the only cheapskate. But I can seriously see myself donating something on the iTunes App Store. Maybe not for every single free app I download (I’m still cheap), but almost definitely the second time around. If I’ve been using someone’s good work and appreciate it enough to want to update when they release a new version, I’m pretty sure I'm going to pay a dollar or three, especially if the button to do so is right there.
Having a donate button would be an amazing opportunity for developers to finalize realize a financial gain for putting out work that we all use. No more PayPal, no more weird collection methods, no more finding their website. It just might spur innovation and updates to come quicker too, because a developer knows his fans appreciate him with their wallets, not just their reviews.
The implementation couldn’t be that hard. Just add another button, just like the different buttons for iTunes Plus music. In fact, I’d add a few buttons, allowing a developer to put a range of money options up to take advantage of people who just might want to give a bit more.
The more I think about it, the more I believe it’s the right thing to do, it’s the best way to do it, and it should be done. Period.
Do you think people would really donate? I think the selling business model would be more effective - instant gratification, clear benefits to the person who handed over their hard-earned cash.
Posted by: Brain Tuner | August 13, 2008 at 05:02 PM
I do think people would donate. But more importantly, it allows someone to give away their application for free, but still make money. I'm sure they could make more money selling the app, but that would miss the point of giving it away for free. Even better, having a donate button on a free app doesn't hurt the app at all, you can still get it for free. But it allows people who really appreciate the work that's gone into an application to show their appreciation.
Posted by: Tom | August 14, 2008 at 10:41 AM