Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Mediactive » Traditional Publishers that Agree to Apple’s iOS Subscription Demands are Insane, or Desperate

Dan Gillmor’s take on Apple’s new rules

Apple has finally clarified what it will demand of publishers that want to sell subscriptions through its iPhone and iPad app ecosystem. The demands are extortionate, and traditional publishers agreeing to them are crazy if not suicidal.

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None of this should surprise anyone who’s been watching Apple take firmer and firmer control of the iOS ecosystem, or who’s watched media companies compete for the right to be Apple’s pets. But it’s discouraging nonetheless.

The Apple deal will make more sense to startup publishers that want to avoid billing issues by leaving the back-end finances to Apple. Even they, however, should realize that they’re turning over their futures to a company that is not working in their interest in the long run.

Mediactive » Traditional Publishers that Agree to Apple’s iOS Subscription Demands are Insane, or Desperate

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