That's a wrong way to look at it. Cheap customers? Think again. Million and billion dollar companies are not going to post their projects on 99designs. I would say it's mostly for mom n pop type small startup businesses. Even if the big guys do use that service, I still don't see any issue with it.
I have used 99designs and I didn't like it. My personal opinion, based on my little experience, is it is costly for the services offered. For the record, I have used ODesk, Elance and Freelancer too. When I use these outsourcing sites (including 99designs), I look at both cost and service. Quality, trust, dedication, promptness and professionalism are all part of service. Yes cost is a very important factor. When you have your own business and you need service, like me, you would be looking at these factors carefully too. You look at the service, compare and then you decide on price. It's a capitalistic free economy where no one can dictate a price. Price is dictated by the demands and what the consumers are willing to pay.
I will give you a real life example, my example. I needed some graphic designs for my iphone app. I posted the requirements on all 4 sites I mentioned. I received over 200 bids. Bid ranged from $1,800 to $5 (Yes $5!). I carefully verified all of their work/portfolios, exchanged emails and reviewed their responses (learned a lot from this experience, template responses or try to oversell with superlative words, etc.). Out of all, one designer from Argentina caught my attention. She kept telling how much she wanted to design my graphics. She didn't want anything upfront, in fact, she even said she didn't even want any money if I am not satisfied with her work. She gave me a framework on when and how she would submit her work to me for review and if I didn't like the work she would totally redo it. 6 screens with over 40 icons in 3 different resolutions and she was very happy with $238.
Cheap or bargain shoppers, yes, these sites are mostly for them but there isn't any site where shoppers will say something like... "yea, I am willing to pay $10,000 for 6 screens with over 40 icons in 3 different resolutions for my iPhone app." That doesn't make sense. We have always been creative in this country and we need to be even more creative now. Find ways to deliver quick and more with more options to consumers. If we complain about the labor or other costs, we fail to understand the free market and global economy. It also means we lost the race.
I forgot to gave you some of my marketing ideas. I am executing these for my iPhone app but you can apply the same for your Android app too. Review the list part 1 and 2. Let me know what you think
this is for all of you guys. when you mention you have an app in the market, mention the name or at least give your blog link or app link. in a way it would be your free marketing and for readers it would be a reference to see what type of app is getting what kind of downloads.
This seriously drives me nuts. I know as web people we're sensitive to comment spam, but if you're commenting on topic then for the love of god promote yourself a little.
At the very least, put your game/webapp in your profile.
agree on the games. In his case, he can narrow his target area and focus maybe on smaller target market. putting a game app out and placing it in that category and competing against big guns is like a suicide mission. You can bleed money on marketing but nothing will happen unless you have another Angry Bird like idea. I would recommend him trying different categories. Not all of them are so competitive. Also he shouldn't invest so much of his time on this one game. Every product has lifecycle and his app is no different. He should have a target of downloads/money too and once achieved, move on to the next app/game. Average iPhone app makes $750 per year and I am sure that number is somewhat similar for Android too.
very good post. enjoyed reading about your experience. I also think you should write more on 1) learning Android development (maybe tutorials for the novice) & 2) more on marketing. Like you, I am new to mobile app development/business. Learned Android development first but then got into iOS. For now, sticking mostly with iPhone. It’s way different but the idea is “fish where the fishes are”. I like Android but to me at this point, it’s good for consumer but kind of harsh for developers. People ask for refunds on Android apps and they can continue to use the app moving it to the SD card. Glad you are trying out different things on marketing. I am doing the same and my first app is no out yet :-) Apple still reviewing it. You are correct on graphics. I think that is mighty important. I am sharing my journey of app development, marketing and overall experience through my blog too. Check it and share your thought. Good luck!
I wouldn't say it's "dying". It has been bad but it's time to get more efficient and maybe that's what the city is trying to do. Also, not all of Detroit is that bad
this is stupid as hell! there are so many other freakN priorities than sending a letter like that to Apple or anyone. What's next? Are these senetors also going to write to radar or laser detector makers/companies too saying you guys shouldn't be making those devices? I don't drink and I don't condone drink and drive either. Here are the things the senetor should think of
1) If a person is so impaired to drive, he will be even more impaired to operate and understand an app on a tiny freakn device.
2) Maybe the police shouldn't setup any checkpoint. Instead the check should happen in random places on the street.
3) Think of legislation or creating better safety standards for Cars, so the manufacturers are forced device cars that can detect impairment of the driver and not start at all. This option can create more jobs, inovations, etc.
