> Sounds like you (plural) need a software Co-Op site. A couple of > the larger developers need to get together and start it. It could > run on a fixed % margin (say something slightly above the operating > costs) and pay back developers for profits over and above the > charter % (as well as their cut for the sale). Some minor marketing > plus a request that contributing developers promote the Co-Op on > their sites as well as in their software (or documentation) could > help promote it.
i've really sat back and thought about this for quite some time. first of all, there is no stopping these giants, they will always exist; but, some developers are getting the non-standard rates (no need to mention names - but, they are). why can we not create a co-operative to get the same? it is a fact that 80% of the sales come from maybe 2-3% of developers. those 2-3% of developers, probably have good sweet deals with the ESD sites; so, many of them may even retaliate any discussion like this from even happening. why? because it might affect their relationship with the ESD.. (pity) handango and palmgear will *always* exist; bottom line. first? get a deal that is acceptable. second? start an ESD site to compete directly with them. they wont do anything unless there is a threat to their business. > I nominate Aaron to be the chair of the new independent > software manf Co-Op. If orange growers can do it, why not > programmers? it has already started - a few developers have contacted me and i am following it up. i do believe (and they do too) that it is possible to setup an ESD site that can cover its hosting costs purely by advertising - in addition, it should be possible to charge 2.39% + 25c for the transaction cost. secondly? as a developer driven site - there will be more automated updating (no more logging in to do it) - developers can create an .xml feed on their own sites to deliver content. this content could also be pushed out to sites such as versiontracker.com. remember, we are developers - we can code stuff like this. the next biggest peeve i see is that handango and palmgear are partnering with palmsource/palmone and news sites!! do you know how? affilliate partnering. i have been told by some news sites that they receive 15% in affiliate payments for every transaction they send over to the ESD. i think a referral fee is fine.. ... BUT.. 2.39% + 25c + 15% (referral fee) i am sure most developers will live with - thats less than 20% overall; and, there is marketing/sales benefits from referrals. now, the thing is - i would only want to pay the referall fee ONLY if there was a sale via the affiliate site. this is where handango/palmgear are cheating. they say they increase the rates to support marketing efforts etc.. but, they take the extra money, even if they dont need to pay for a referral.. think about it. voice your opinion! --- Aaron Ardiri PalmOS Certified Developer [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.mobilewizardry.com/members/aaron_ardiri.php -- For information on using the Palm Developer Forums, or to unsubscribe, please see http://www.palmos.com/dev/support/forums/
