Rogue Amoeba:
While the App Store has many shortcomings, it’s the onerous rules and restrictions Apple has for selling through the Mac App Store which pose the biggest problem. The type of software we make is precluded from being sold through the store, particularly now that sandboxing is a requirement, and Apple has shown no signs of relaxing those restrictions. Fortunately, unlike iOS, the Mac platform is still open. We’re able to distribute and sell direct to our customers, right from our site. We’ve got almost 15 years of experience and success doing just that, and we have no plans to stop.
I get why Apple does sandboxing and, in broad terms, it’s great for users. But we are seeing more and more developers unable to create the products they want because of sandboxing. The good news is that companies like Rogue Amoeba make products for more experienced users and those users will always be able to find and buy stuff directly from Rogue Amoeba. Buying direct is my preferred method, too. It may be less convenient but it puts more money directly in the hands of a developer in know and trust.
I find that it’s pretty painless to keep track of my software licenses in 1Password, so switching to a new Mac isn’t a big deal. What that means is that it’s easy for me to buy directly, especially from the independent developer shops.
I used to do that, but find the MAS is much easier, primarily because the entries I have in 1Password often are of older versions, etc. Plus, when I set up a new Mac, I just go to my Purchased tab, click away, and all the software is done. That’s incredibly convenient for me.
As a result, if there’s a choice, I always by MAS first. That said, I’d never expect Rogue Amoeba’s software to be in the MAS, since they work at lower levels… and that’s fine. I don’t think Apple will ever block them, but will never support them either. IMO, that’s only a small issue; there are huge issues affecting a majority of apps that users use that Apple desperately needs to address first.
Not this tired subject again. Sparkle the app update framework was found to have a security hole in it. When people rant about Sandboxing they should just realize that security risks are the reason why Sandboxing exists.
I’m hoping Apple brings the MAS up to par with the iOS stores feature-wise because the system works well for setting up new Macs. The whole “I want the developer to make more money” is a red herring. If you care that much buy two copies,