8 People Bought ‘I Am Rich’, the $999.99 app
You see that picture? That’s the $999.99 app that we’ve already warned you about. So please, if you’re interested in that red ruby of a status symbol, simply save that image to your iPhone and use it as a wallpaper or something. Don’t go buying this completely featureless program for $999.99 !! But sadly, it’s too late for 8 people who have already purchased the app. According to the developer there is even more waiting for it to come back to the app store.
“I am sure a lot more people would like to buy it — but currently can’t do so,” Heinrich said. “The App is a work of Art and included a ’secret mantra’ — that’s all.”How on Earth does this happen? Maybe because it’s the start of the Olympics on 8/8/08 that 8 people decided to bandy up and go in together. Or maybe they’re all filthy rich people who would rather spend money on a digital ruby than a real one. Who knows. Hopefully this won’t spurn a bunch of copycat apps and turn the App Store into a complete dump.
Actually, I have a request for any sane and capable developer. Make the same exact program. Call it “I Am Richer’ and give it away for free. How’s that for ya?
August 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
OK, the guy who bought the app by “mistake” is an idiot. “Hmm, here’s something that costs $1,000, let me just click on ‘buy’ and see what happens!” It’s just like people who bid ridiculous prices on eBay auctions as a “joke.” Guess what, it’s real money, you agreed to the terms to buy it.
I’m not saying this app isn’t stupid, but I have to side with the developer that it’s not deceptive or malicious in any way. It seems to be exactly what it’s represented as, and it’s up to Apple to decide if they want to limit apps based on basic criteria like illegal or harmful apps, or for more philosophical reasons. “It’s our opinion that your app is stupid, therefore we will prevent anyone from having access to it.” Is that really what we want? In this case, maybe, but I think that’s a slippery slope.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I think that the buyers should at least get some bling along with their purchase – even if it’s cubic zarconia with iron pyrite that turns green after you wear it. The software alone says I’ve been taken for a ride. The bling says I got it goin’ on. For 999.99 you got to show people a little love.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
They bought it most likely because they can, and that’s just stupid. Also, don’t forget about kids who have access to some iPhones and could have purchased this. But $999.99 for that? Come on, there are better designs on napkins.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
This, and any other, app are worth exactly what people will pay for them. This is simple supply and demand and we’re looking at the far left of the graph, price is high and demand is low, but it’s still a valid product at a valid price.
August 8th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
It sure is purdy… and it gets brighter when you adjust your iPhone’s brightness!
August 8th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
This and other apps that have recently come under review as being pure and utter garbage is the EXACT problem with letting everything into the store. Part of the draw to the iPhone and the App store is that it is Apple, and Apple has great design style and sensibilities. If Apple is reviewing all the apps then they should be making the call on value and worth as well…otherwise it is just Palm ll over again.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
MAYBE IT WILL BE A FREE APP BY NEXT WEEK,I CAN ONLY HOPE
August 9th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Todd, if Apple makes the call as to worth, why should developers bother to make apps? I sure as hell wouldn’t spend time creating a program only to have Apple sell it for less than I think it’s worth. The price of several apps have already dropped, so developers are perfectly capable of adjusting the price to meet demand on their own.
August 10th, 2008 at 2:10 am
People who buy this should be labeled as “I am an idiot.”
August 11th, 2008 at 5:30 am
I say one of these people will put their iPhone with the “I am Rich” application on eBay and get several thousand dollars for it, after all there are only eight in existence.