App StorevProblems

[Tuttle]

I just purchased an app called Document Writer-Tex Document Editor and downloaded it. It is a text editor that typesets documents using the typesetting program LaTex. It looks like a great app with a lot if features, but it has some pretty glaring problems. After typing in your document you have to compile (or typeset) it, but there seems to be no control allowing you to do this. There is a help button, but it doesn't work.

I went back to the app store to post comments, but when it asks me to input my Apple ID and I do, it thinks for a minute or so then asks for my ID again (no statement about incorrect ID or anything like that, just a mindless "enter your Apple ID"). While doing this, I noticed that there is one other review where the reviewer had identical problems.

The app costs $4.99, so it is not a cheap app. I have looked at both the iPad app store and at the Apple web site and can't find a clue as to how to report problems with apps---or, for that matter, problems with the App Store app itself.

Any suggestions? I suppose I can always call Apple, but thought one of you guys might have a quicker solution before I "go on hold"!

Thanks.

 

[Gabriel1]

This is an old link but I believe it is still valid http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help/6539-how-get-refund-app-itunes-store.html

See if it helps.

The Archangel

 

[Tuttle]

This is an old link but I believe it is still valid http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help/6539-how-get-refund-app-itunes-store.html

See if it helps.

The Archangel

Thanks for the info. I followed the links, but they really didn't provide what I was after. I think the app has a lot of potential and would like to make it work. One of the links suggested contacting the developer, which was just what I wanted to do. The link claimed that contact info is available on the app store, but it isn't. (Though this seemed to be true early on in tbe history of the iPad, this info has begun to slip away with time. I don't think Appke polices this requirement, if it is indeed a requirement.) I also tried doing a web search under both the company name and the developer's name, but all I can unearth are third party descriptions of the app---non of which mention that it is nonfunctional.

 

[twerppoet]

I also tried doing a web search under both the company name and the developer's name, but all I can unearth are third party descriptions of the app---non of which mention that it is nonfunctional.

Normally I would recommend going to the App Store and using the App Support button at the bottom of the Ratings and Reviews section. However the web site is in Chinese, and running it through Google Translate doesn't help much.

In this case, I suggest you search the App Store for a different LaTex editor and check out the support options first, and the reviews, of course. I see one review on your app, and it one stars based pretty much on what you said. Assuming that's not your review.

And get your money back. There is no reason to support an app if they can'b be bothered to offer support in the same language as the store they are selling the app in. Though it is possible that they tried to supply English support. there is a language selector at the bottom of the page. It just doesn't work.

 

[Tuttle]

Normally I would recommend going to the App Store and using the App Support button at the bottom of the Ratings and Reviews section. However the web site is in Chinese, and running it through Google Translate doesn't help much.

In this case, I suggest you search the App Store for a different LaTex editor and check out the support options first, and the reviews, of course. I see one review on your app, and it one stars based pretty much on what you said. Assuming that's not your review.

And get your money back. There is no reason to support an app if they can'b be bothered to offer support in the same language as the store they are selling the app in. Though it is possible that they tried to supply English support. there is a language selector at the bottom of the page. It just doesn't work.

Thank for the suggestions. Actually, I am collecting all the Tex editors available because I want to do a comparitive review. I really like one called Tex Writer, but tge sad thing is that this latest one has a lot of very nice features. I would really like to nake it work if I could.

I tracked down that web site, too, but as you noted it diesn'shed much light.

This guy has a lot of apps on the appstore, none with any hint of support or contact info. I have contacted Itunes support via Archangel's links and have only gotten the "boiler plate" from them thus far.

I will post more if and when the issue clarifies. I am a bit suspicious there is a scam involvrd here. Sohu.com is something lime Google China I believe.

 

[twerppoet]

I will post more if and when the issue clarifies. I am a bit suspicious there is a scam involvrd here. Sohu.com is something lime Google China I believe.

There have been a rash of app thefts lately, where people are stealing and repackaging other peoples apps; usually a version or two behind.

Might be that, so keep an eye out for another app with almost identical features.

 

[twerppoet]

I little more snooping around seems to support my theory about stolen apps. Check out the screen shots for Tex Touch and compare them with Document Writer - for Tex Documents Processor.





I'd add that to your complaint to the Apple Store, along with a heads up for the Tex Touch developers.

The good news is you can probably find all the features you wanted in the Tex Touch app, and there is a readable support page with a few help links. Looks like the support email ( anti-spamed) is at the bottom of the site.

P.S.
I sent a quick email to the Tex Touch dev. Felt like the right thing to do. Though I'll be surprised if they don't already know.

 

[Tuttle]

I little more snooping around seems to support my theory about stolen apps. Check out the screen shots for Tex Touch and compare them with Document Writer - for Tex Documents Processor.

<img src="http://www.ipadforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=43012"/>

<img src="http://www.ipadforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=43013"/>

I'd add that to your complaint to the Apple Store, along with a heads up for the Tex Touch developers.

The good news is you can probably find all the features you wanted in the Tex Touch app, and there is a readable support page with a few help links. Looks like the support email ( anti-spamed) is at the bottom of the site.

P.S.
I sent a quick email to the Tex Touch dev. Felt like the right thing to do. Though I'll be surprised if they don't already know.

Thanks. I had just noticed this similarity, too. The TexTouch mechanism for compiling is to upload to the Cloud, where a central service does the typesetting, then downloads the compiled ms to the app. Apparently the ripoff version just neglected to include this link! Also, it claims on its apostore page the ability to compile locally.

I will certainly communicate this info to Apple. Thanks for notifying the TexTouch developer. I woukd be interested in knowing what their reaction is.

 

[Tuttle]

Just an update: Apple has refunded my purchase price, but refuses to divulge any information about its investigation of the developer. I find this a bit hard to swallow after being (apparently) ripped off. After all, if the app is a scam a lot of others are potential losers as well. As of now they haven't removed the app. If Apple doesn't publicize information about scammers using the appstore they are aiding and abetting the scam.

Probably somewhere in that 35 page EULA I have agreed that Apple is not responsible (is irresponsible?) under any circumstances.

 

[twerppoet]

I got a response from the Developer a couple days ago. {and forgot to mention it} They are aware and combating the problem. Whatever that means.

Apple probably wants to keep whatever they are doing confidential, to avoid possible law suits. After all, if they publicly call someone out, and turn out to be wrong, it wouldn't be pretty. Not pretty at all.

And yes, I'm sure their developer and EULA agreement includes language that makes them non-culpable for transgressions they have little or no control over.

But here is a happy thought for you. When Apple gives you a refund, it all comes out of developer's hide. Apple keeps their 30% transaction fee. That means a shady developer could (theoretically) end up with a negative balance.

 

[Tuttle]

I got a response from the Developer a couple days ago. {and forgot to mention it} They are aware and combating the problem. Whatever that means.

Apple probably wants to keep whatever they are doing confidential, to avoid possible law suits. After all, if they publicly call someone out, and turn out to be wrong, it wouldn't be pretty. Not pretty at all.

And yes, I'm sure their developer and EULA agreement includes language that makes them non-culpable for transgressions they have little or no control over.

But here is a happy thought for you. When Apple gives you a refund, it all comes out of developer's hide. Apple keeps their 30% transaction fee. That means a shady developer could (theoretically) end up with a negative balance.

Well, it seems pretty simple to check this developer's apps to see whether they are legit. After all, if Apple is going to purvey the apps it is their responsibility to assure themselves that they are bonafide. If not, they should remove them from the app store. Otherwise, they are knowingly selling shoddy goods..

 

[twerppoet]

Well, it seems pretty simple to check this developer's apps to see whether they are legit. After all, if Apple is going to purvey the apps it is their responsibility to assure themselves that they are bonafide. If not, they should remove them from the app store. Otherwise, they are knowingly selling shoddy goods..

+900,000 apps. 6 million developers. Thousands of apps submitted a day. Rouge developer's deliberately analyzing and gaming the system. Balancing ease of use and rapid development cycles against security. Etc.

When I really think about everything that has to go into the submission, approval, and deployment of apps on this scale, it's an incredible task load.

Let's just say I don't agree with the description 'pretty simple'.

 

[Tuttle]

Well, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying they are necessarily responsible for each and every offering à priori, but when one is brought to their attention they are obligated to investigate. And since at least one person is devoting the time already to interact with the customer, it should indeed be a simple thing to at least flag an app to advise caveat emptor to future prospective buyers.

With all due respect, I think you are using a kind of reductio ad absurdum argument when you quote such large numbers. Poor Apple. Success is such a heavy load to bear, isn't it!

And, by the way, we could embark upon an even more contentious trip if we follow up on the implications (and impulsions behind) that "necessity for rapid development cycles" you mentioned---.

 

[twerppoet]

You're a third party. From Apple's point of view after you got your money back your involvement was over. There is no reason to tell you what they intend to do. If for no other reason than because they don't want to see a a headline like "Apple is going to . . . according to a letter to 'Name' from Apple Support."

If I were Apple, I would not be involving anyone but the interested parties. Not even to say 'we're doing something about it'. Promises and statements like that don't get ignored by the media. It could even affect any legal cases that result.

Not to say I know Apple is doing anything, just that we also don't know that Apple is doing nothing.

While I understand your desire to know what happens, and see justice done, it's just not going to happen. Apple does not work that way. The best you can do is keep an eye on the developer and app, to see if they get removed.

Or if you want a splash, try pointing out the issue to a well known blog. Though you might have to wait a bit until the WWDC news tappers off to get their attention. I expect to see a constant stream of articles saying exactly the same things for the rest of the week, at least. *sigh*

BTW, if I seemed sarcastic or like I was attacking you, I apologize. Sometimes I get enamored of my own (self perceived) cleverness and forget to make sure I'm communicating the message (and attitude) I intend.

'Reducto ad Absurdum' is a valid and logical argument form. I only wish my post had been that logically precise. On the other hand, because it relies on showing falsehood of an argument by pointing out how ridiculous (unlikely) the logical consequences are, it is difficult to use without implying the arguer is also ridiculous.

As you say, my post resembles this argument is spirit if not good logic, and was a poor choice for polite disagreement. On the other hand, it's the only argument that came to mind, and I didn't feel simply saying 'I disagree' was sufficient. Though perhaps I should have.

 

[Tuttle]

You're a third party. From Apple's point of view after you got your money back your involvement was over. There is no reason to tell you what they intend to do. If for no other reason than because they don't want to see a a headline like "Apple is going to . . . according to a letter to 'Name' from Apple Support."

If I were Apple, I would not be involving anyone but the interested parties. Not even to say 'we're doing something about it'. Promises and statements like that don't get ignored by the media. It could even affect any legal cases that result.

Not to say I know Apple is doing anything, just that we also don't know that Apple is doing nothing.

While I understand your desire to know what happens, and see justice done, it's just not going to happen. Apple does not work that way. The best you can do is keep an eye on the developer and app, to see if they get removed.

Or if you want a splash, try pointing out the issue to a well known blog. Though you might have to wait a bit until the WWDC news tappers off to get their attention. I expect to see a constant stream of articles saying exactly the same things for the rest of the week, at least. *sigh*

BTW, if I seemed sarcastic or like I was attacking you, I apologize. Sometimes I get enamored of my own (self perceived) cleverness and forget to make sure I'm communicating the message (and attitude) I intend.

'Reducto ad Absurdum' is a valid and logical argument form. I only wish my post had been that logically precise. On the other hand, because it relies on showing falsehood of an argument by pointing out how ridiculous (unlikely) the logical consequences are, it is difficult to use without implying the arguer is also ridiculous.

As you say, my post resembles this argument is spirit if not good logic, and was a poor choice for polite disagreement. On the other hand, it's the only argument that came to mind, and I didn't feel simply saying 'I disagree' was sufficient. Though perhaps I should have.

No problem. Nothing like a little heat to warm things up now and again. But---all facets of a situation do not necessarily survive in a reduction argument. It certainly works fine to expose a fallacy in a general statement, but mine wasn't intended to be universal. I was just asserting that, as an interested party (the scamee) I had a right to be informed---and that, since they were informed, Apple has the ethical responsibility to issue a caveat emptor to prospective buyers. (Or, for that matter, a posting---could be from the developer---that the issue had arisen and been resolved in whatever way. I've actually seen developers posting such announcements. The reputable ones are concerned with their customers.)

Yeah, sigh, as you said---back to reading all those interminable blogs about "I love iOS7," "I hate iOS7," or "Wasn't Craig Federighi cool?" Nothing really relevent, such as insight into whether the mail app will have user editable folders.