We’re all familiar with the “lite” versions of iPhone apps and games. You download a feature limited version of a game or application free of charge and decided if the full version is worth paying for. Other than the lack of categorization, I like the recent increases in “try before you buy” versions. Today I see that Sprikit, makers of the Diggerific, have a little different spin on the “lite” version and I’m not so sure I like their idea quite as much.

Sprikit is now offering a “donate” version of their completely free Digg app, Diggerific. What’s a “donate” version? Simple, it’s a version you can pay for if you want to support the developers of the free version. You don’t get anything special, in fact, people who purchase the “donate” version are getting the exact same functionality as the free version. I can understand developers desires to give users of their free software the opportunity to donate to the cause, but this has absolutely no place on the iTunes App Store.

Why?

Apple has already introduced a great way for people to support you and your app. It’s called paying. If you’re app is so good that some people will go out of their way to donate money to you, then just charge a nominal price for it in the first place.

What about developers who really don’t want to charge? Setup donations on your web site. Again, if your app is good enough that people want to support it’s development, then chances are they’ve been to the apps website and would be willing to donate there.

Additionally, there is a chance that someone will pay for you app not realizing it’s freely available (even if you put a note about it in your app description). There is also a chance, as illustrated by the now famous “I am Rich” app that someone will pay for your application with out really wanting too. In both these situations it doesn’t matter if the user was wrong, it doesn’t matter if they should have read more carefully. They now hate your company, they hate your app and they probably hate you. Is that really worth of few bucks? –I am Rich made more then a few bucks, but it wasn’t donate ware.

I’m not accusing Sprikit of anything, but I am highly suspect of anyone who puts up a “donate” version of their application and places the “this is the same as the free version” disclaimer at the bottom of the description. Come on Sprikit, your app doesn’t even have a glowing gem. Move your donation activities to the Sprikit website or place the disclaimer at the top of the apps description.

By: Aaron Robbins