Live data from Hacker News

Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

plus.google.com

51–60 of 274 posts

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#51

I know Google's policy on this, but I completely understand where the developer is coming from. Google has been taking a collective shit on every developer out of its list of seller countries[0], which is ridiculously short and hasn't been expanded in god knows how long, and even then, there were only a handful of countries added. On Google's page about seller countries they say: "We're working hard to add more count…

> No, you're fucking not working hard, you added the last ones a year and a half ago. I'm not even a Google fanboy, but what do you know about the challenges that Google might be facing? It's a really strong accusation to say that a company is not working hard just because you can't have exactly what you want. Last I checked, neither Google nor Apple make guarantees about how much of a living a developer is going to…

Anecdotes like this one do indeed suggest they're not trying as hard as they can:

>I hate this bullshit, they've said exactly the same about my country for 3 years before actually adding seller support. They were about 3 years slower than Microsoft and Apple.

I actually am a Google fanboy for the record. But it does seem like they just don't care about this.

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#52
post #4

TLDR: Application banned for not using a Google-blessed payment option which Google has not enabled for the country in which the developer actually lives. In that case I guess the only other option is going completely free? How many developers will be willing to accept that position? Do Google really think they can create a thriving ecosystem and market if they start throwing around inconsistent and conflicting rules…

The app in question was using Paypal. Right or wrong, there is no way Google is going to let developers use Paypal instead of their own Google billing, for which they keep 30%.

[deleted]

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#53

I know Google's policy on this, but I completely understand where the developer is coming from. Google has been taking a collective shit on every developer out of its list of seller countries[0], which is ridiculously short and hasn't been expanded in god knows how long, and even then, there were only a handful of countries added. On Google's page about seller countries they say: "We're working hard to add more count…

> No, you're fucking not working hard, you added the last ones a year and a half ago. I'm not even a Google fanboy, but what do you know about the challenges that Google might be facing? It's a really strong accusation to say that a company is not working hard just because you can't have exactly what you want. Last I checked, neither Google nor Apple make guarantees about how much of a living a developer is going to…

To be fair, the developer did do the dirty work themselves - They implemented their own payment method using PayPal and then got banned for it.

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#54
post #40

If I were him and the application was worthwhile. I'd open a shell company in another country that is Google approved, then release the application under a new name, under that company. Sure it means jumping through a few hoops to satisfy Google, but it's certainly doable.

Can anyone provide tips on how to best do this? Are there countries with lightweight bureucracy that let you do this over the web and without spending much money up front?

There might be a niche for a publisher company here.

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#55

The relevant part of the Developer Distribution Agreement appears to be 3.3: "Such free trials for Products are encouraged. However, if you want to collect fees after the free trial expires, you must collect all fees for the full version of the Product through the Payment Processor on the Market." http://play.google.com/about/developer-distribution-agreemen...

Who is downvoting a comment which merely points to a fact?

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#56
post #4

TLDR: Application banned for not using a Google-blessed payment option which Google has not enabled for the country in which the developer actually lives. In that case I guess the only other option is going completely free? How many developers will be willing to accept that position? Do Google really think they can create a thriving ecosystem and market if they start throwing around inconsistent and conflicting rules…

The app in question was using Paypal. Right or wrong, there is no way Google is going to let developers use Paypal instead of their own Google billing, for which they keep 30%.

If the developer was able to use Paypal to receive money in his country, why isn't it possible for Google to do the same? It just shows that Google isn't really trying to make its payment system truly global.

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#57
To be honest, it's a little understandable. Unlike on the iPhone, you can get your software from anywhere you want. You are not obligated to use the Play store to get this app.

That being said, would any store allow you to display your product in their vitrine, yet not get a cut when you they sell it for you? Do you think Steam would allow this?

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I am from India and credit cards are still not that mainstream here. And it is same situation. Everyone has a debit card but Apple and Google both refuse to accept them for their stores (last time I checked, same with Windows Phone, though Microsoft at least accepts them for Windows, Office and Skydrive stuff!)

Are you sure about that? Are the debit cards issued by Visa or Mastercard? Where I'm (EU), both Apple and Google do accept debit cards.

Where I am (EU) Google does not, last time I checked.

Debit Card from Visa or Mastercard? Why.. would you do that? The debit card I know (and I assume that's what the GP talks about) is from your bank. Works fine everywhere in the EU, breaks for crappy online services/US centric payment solutions.

Heck, Paypal uses my account just fine and doesn't require a CC.

Re: Google permanently bans popular application from Play for not using IAP

#60
post #51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> No, you're fucking not working hard, you added the last ones a year and a half ago. I'm not even a Google fanboy, but what do you know about the challenges that Google might be facing? It's a really strong accusation to say that a company is not working hard just because you can't have exactly what you want. Last I checked, neither Google nor Apple make guarantees about how much of a living a developer is going to…

Anecdotes like this one do indeed suggest they're not trying as hard as they can: > I hate this bullshit, they've said exactly the same about my country for 3 years before actually adding seller support. They were about 3 years slower than Microsoft and Apple. I actually am a Google fanboy for the record. But it does seem like they just don't care about this.

Yes, but Microsoft and Apple have the advantage of having physical products, stores, agreements, etc. in the international market already.
Post reply on HN