BOO to the weekly cigar

[Scottastic]

Originally Posted by jbrookeiv

Hey guys,

I was alerted to the fact that I was getting bashed on some online forums by the guys at Cuban Crafters today (where I now work) and wanted to come on here and clear my name.

First and foremost, I apologize for stealing the apps. I tried to reconcile with Ken by offering to place an ad to his application on my site, but never got a response. I feel as though I properly apologized for what I did.

Second, Bryan, thank you for going behind my back and bashing my site instead of contacting me with your opinion. That was an extremely low move in my opinion. I have been nothing but nice to you and have supported your site with regular visits. On top of bashing me on here, you contact my employer about how my reputation in the business is tarnished because I "stole products and bragged about it". Very uncool.

Last, how many of you guys have downloaded a song or movie illegally? I'm not a religious person, but I think the phrase "Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast The First Stone" is appropriate here. I'd love to get to know you guys and become a member of these forums, but feel as though I have been misrepresented and therefore am not welcome.

Anyways, I just wanted to say my piece and move on with my life.

This goes a couple ways with me...

Firstly, you're right. I, personally, did download music illegally - quite a bit of it. When I was 13-15. I have since avoided any and all illegal downloading, because I realise that I am hurting the people that created the content.

Alternatively, as an avid iPhone, Blackberry and Android user, not having the right to "refund" app purchases on the iPhone bothers me. In the Android market, you have 24 hours to decide that you don't want the app you've just downloaded, and can return it for a full refund. This has saved me a lot of money, and I generally shy away from apps on my iPhone because of it.

But that's just not the way the marketplace on the iPhone works. You know this when you buy an iPhone. And in the case that you don't, you find out pretty quick. Besides, if you used the app enough to write a review for it (and presumably have been paid for said review) then you have "evaluated" it enough to purchase it.

I don't want to crucify you on these boards. We all make mistakes, but what separates the good from the bad is whether you learn from them and correct the behavior. Offering free add space does not qualify: saying you were wrong and not doing it again does.