You know, there must be something wrong about some people. And when it comes to money, fake reviews on iTunes and scams, you can bet MacStories is going to talk about it.
Well it turns out that this nice website called YourAppReviewed.com (which we’re not going to link to) offers a “service” that allows you to get positive iTunes app reviews, for a price. Yes, they even have a price table with packages in their front page:
You get the hang of it. Developers pay, provide promo codes, the guys download the apps and write fake reviews, although they claim that every app is tested and such. Sure, and we plan to convert MacStories into a Flash website.
From the “How it works” page:
1- Order the number of reviews you need from our store.
2- If your app isn’t free, provide us with an equal number of Promotional Codes from iTunes® Connect*. (Developers can request up to 50 codes for each of their application. Connect to your iTunes Connect to request and download these codes). Please quote your order number in the subject line of your email and send them to orders@YourAppReviewed.com.
3- After providing us with your codes, real iPhone® and iPod® touch users with US iTunes accounts will be hired by YourAppReviewed.com to download and review your app. These reviews will be completed within 48 hours.
4- Depending on their reviews, one of two scenarios will apply:
a. If a reviewer likes your app and gives it a 4 or 5-star rating, he or she will post his/her review in English on the US App Store, without your prior approval.
b. If a reviewer decides to give your app a 1, 2 or 3-star rating, he or she will send us their constructive criticism and comments. This information will be forwarded to you for approval prior to being posted on the App Store. The reviewers will not post their comments unless you decide that they should. Whether or not you want these reviews published on the App Store, you will have gained valuable insight into how your app could be improved.
5- YourAppReviewed.com will send you a summary of all reviews along with their status (submitted to the App Store and/or sent to developer) within 72 hours, to keep for your records.
This has to stop, and I don’t want to believe some developers actually used this method to gain positions in the App Store. We don’t know for how long this thing has been going on but please, someone should email Steve about it. We know he’ll reply.
