> Back to the main topic, the data does not show that "piracy is indeed a > significant problem", but shows that many non-paying users are using your > app. The big question is would they have paid for your had they not been > able to get hold of the pirate version. That's a very difficult question to > answer.
I think it's hugely dependent on the app. If you think a functionally simple app like Screebl, which basically either works or doesn't work, a pirated copy is as good as a legitamate one. If you take a more complex app like mine, which is a personal finance package, you may need support and new features. In my 500 paid downloads, I'd consider 3% pirated, which I define by getting it refunded within 20 mins. While 500 downloads is not 10,000 like Screebl, I think it's still a significant sample. I record the names of all refunds and mark the "pirates" as well. I get questions and feature requests all the time, but I've yet to see a non-legitimate user ask for help. I think it's one thing to pirate, another to have the nerve to ask the developer for support. I believe, if it comes to that one of these users need help, they would probably just buy the app. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Android Developers" group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
