marco:

Phill Ryu wrote me a thoughtful response and counterargument with many valid points, CC’d to John Casasanta. John quickly replied-to-all:

I don’t know why you feel the need to explain yourself to this ignorant, insignificant piece of shit. (yes the cc was intentional this time)”

It’s hard to conduct a civil discussion when one of its business partners is such a maniac.

But back to Ryu’s response. It seems that I was wrong to assume that MacHeist’s deal was still a flat fee for developers. They’re now offering percentages. For that assumption, I apologize.

I’m not interested in arguing the specifics of the MacHeist deal with developers. I’m sure that nobody will argue the core of it: these applications are being sold at a steep discount.

My point is whether it’s a good idea, as conscientious consumers, to accept such steep discounts on the products that we use and love.

My argument is that it’s not.

Others feel differently. “It’s just a business.” “We shouldn’t be responsible for making sure developers get a good deal.” “It’s a great deal for consumers.”

If you feel that way, then we must respectfully disagree.