alt Hacker NewsAm I mistaken or is the premise: I don't like that users have an opinion about my app?
Replies
Yes, but I want to give OP the benefit of the doubt.
I'm sure it's frustrating to put the work into building an app with several features only to receive a one-star review because a user feels slighted by one specific behavior, but this is how users have been trained to behave because it's the only lever of power the users have. Writing a thoughtful and detailed feature request or bug report is often a fool's errand. Users just give the app 1 star and move on.
I think it is more that ratings just aren't a great metric for app quality. The people doing the rating aren't necessarily even knowledgeable about the app they're reviewing let alone other similar apps. I would agree.
But I'd also say basic ratings of all kinds ... sort of stink for the same reason(s).
The exact opposite, really. You live or die by app store ratings. Too many ratings are bogus (don't accurately describe the app's functionality, just some random feeling the user has in the moment). Either the App Store should take on more burden to ensure ratings are accurate (perhaps criteria? disincentivize false ratings?), or eliminate/downplay the system.
There are already commenters proudly declaring they abuse the system because there is just no incentives not to.
You are mistaken.
> Indie developers can’t win in the App Store. Since we’re mostly unknown to the public, we need positive App Store ratings and reviews for our apps to encourage purchases. If we don’t request ratings from all users, then the self-initiated ratings tend to be disproportionately people with a complaint rather than satisfied users
I think Principal Skinner tried to learn how to code.
That's my read. Both reviews seem fair to me. E.g. if translation is important to that user then maybe it's better to take a note of it rather than be angry. Also, being upset about users hating your obnoxious nag screen? hahah wow.