We first sent the 4.0 update to Apple in December. They found some technical problems with the file and we sent back updated versions to them a couple of times. In each case, this all transpired within a week.

The latest version we sent was uploaded on January 2, 2009, and the only feedback we've received from Apple since then is that "they need additional time to review it" and "they are still working on reviewing it."

We placed a support call asking them to look into this, and logged a support incident, but the only response we got was another email that told us "they're still working on reviewing it."

We can only be patient at this point, I guess. It's up to Apple.

Are we losing sales? I don't know, and I don't really care about that. I do care that we have customers who have seen the 4.0 features and want them. They're upset, and that bothers me. I just want everyone to be able to share the benefits of the hard work we've done.

Is there a way to distribute a "Beta" version of 4.0 outside of the Apple App Store channel? We already download other stuff directly. Maybe Apple is upset that Mantis is selling supplemental stuff without their involvement (read that as without them getting a cut).

We already have a Beta program in accordance with our SDK agreement with Apple. We are limited to 100 unique devices, however, so we are severely limited here. Our Beta program is used only to test the features of our new releases, and our beta testers give great feedback and report bugs to us. So it's not really a distribution mechanism, per se.

As far as Apple "not getting a cut" -- this is not our intention at all, and we would welcome an arrangement where we could distribute all our content through Apple. We'd happily pay a percentage. As a matter of fact, we've started to offer "branded" versions in the App Store which they're taking a percentage of. We're very happy with that.

The only reason we're selling our content directly is because there is no way to give our customers the flexibility and choice they want using Apple's distribution mechanism. Their system does not allow us to sell (or give away) a base product and then add content to it. If it did, we'd be the first to sign up!

Many other companies are using the same model we are using, and Apple so far has allowed it in all cases we've seen. They have said nothing to us about our distribution mechanism. But that's not to say that Apple can't change their policy at any time. I just hope if they do, they offer us an alternative using their system that allows our customers to mix and match content, and to purchase whatever they choose at any time.

Thanks for the explanation. It is frustrating seeing other apps have several updates over the past 45 days.
I'll just have to continue to be patient. Thanks again for a great program.

[quote]
Posted By bbrigtoo on 02/13/2009 12:58 PM
Is there a way to distribute a "Beta" version of 4.0 outside of the Apple App Store channel? We already download other stuff directly. Maybe Apple is upset that Mantis is selling supplemental stuff without their involvement (read that as without them getting a cut).
[/quote]

Apparently direct downloads of the supplemental stuff is OK.

Olive Tree (Bible Reader) started with selling through the App Store with translation bundles. In their forum, they were under the impression that selling the translations from their web site, as Mantis does, is forbidden. But with the latest version, Bible Reader users can now load translations from the Olive Tree web site.

(I has also gotten Bible Reader and recently downloaded a couple of translations I had previously bought with the Palm PDA version.)

Should customers of mantis be contacting Apple instead with friendly requests for the release of 4.0. Maybe some customer feedback would speed things up?

You are welcome to contact Apple, but I don't know if it would have any effect. Maybe it would -- I just don't know.

I really do appreciate your willingness to help, though!

Would it be possible to provide those with the "free" version with some sort of upgrade code to a particular "paid" version for no cost? The criteria to qualify would be that they bought a Bible translation that is used for the "paid' version.

For example I got Mantis Bible when only the "free" version was available from the App Store and bought the ESV version from the Mantis web site. If this is done, I would qualify for a code to get the "paid" Mantis Bible with ESV from the App Store.

I wish we could do that, but Apple doesn't really allow it. We're stuck until Apple releases the upgrade.

Just as an extra attempt, we uploaded a new version called "Mantis Bible Study: FREE Edition" that looks and feels like the new paid versions, but is free. Perhaps they'll release that before the update.

They've been sitting on that version as well, though, for at least a few weeks now.

I've already bought the KJVS from you, how do I upgrade to the 4.0?

You'll need to wait until Apple releases the update. The only work-around is that, if you were in the market to purchase one of the 4.0 editions in the App Store (NASS, MSG, ESV, NKJV) and you purchased one from the App Store, our program would sense that you already purchased the KJVS and allow you to download the KJVS to that 4.0 version.

If we want to "remind" Apple about the pending update, who should we contact? I would love to be a squeaky wheel, but I can't figure out who to bug. It looks like the discussion groups are black holes as far as Apple is concerned (they are only good for users helping users).

I really don't know who you'd contact, either. Maybe call Apple's main customer service number and ask them who you should contact. I'd be interested to hear what they tell you.

I just emailed Apple support using the form at http://www.apple.com/uk/support/itunes/store/apps/ and quoting my original order reference for Mantis Bible Study and making it clear that it was the Mantis Bible Study Free Edition that I was concerned about, i.e. http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=286041914&mt=8

Will let you know what transpires.

Here's the query I put to Apple ...

Hello,

Regarding the application Mantis Bible Study Free Edition:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=286041914&mt=8

The version on the App Store is 3.2 whereas the version described on the App Store is version 4.0. I contacted the developer and they told me:

We first sent the 4.0 update to Apple in December. They found some technical problems with the file and we sent back updated versions to them a couple of times. In each case, this all transpired within a week.

The latest version we sent was uploaded on January 2, 2009, and the only feedback we've received from Apple since then is that "they need additional time to review it" and "they are still working on reviewing it."

We placed a support call asking them to look into this, and logged a support incident, but the only response we got was another email that told us "they're still working on reviewing it."

It has now been 7 weeks since the company submitted the revised version 4.0 to you and I don't understand why it has not been reviewed. I haven't noticed this kind of delay with other applications on the App Store and so I wonder if this one has somehow been forgotten? I'd appreciate it if you could look into it and get it on track.

I do not work for the developer. I am a user who is really looking forward to the new features in the latest version.

many thanks,

Mark Hadfield (UK)

Here's Apple's reply ...

Hi Mark,

It's Victoria again, the application team is working on it and will post it when it is ready. They are reviewing it and they will let us kno if it is still not up in and running in 2 or more weeks.

I hope this helps you. If not and you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reply to this email and I will be happy to assist. It was a pleasure assisting you Mark. We here at the iTunes Store appreciate your business.

Thanks and Have an Safe Day.

Sincerely,

Victoria
iTunes Store Customer Support
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww

What is Victoria's email address. I'd like to help remind her to remind the application team as well.

You can contact Apple support using the form at http://www.apple.com/uk/support/itunes/store/apps/

Simply unbelievable at this point. To have the free version still pending with no information (from apple) as to when it will be approved an no information as to what the hold-up is (clearly given the other versions have been approved it would seem to me they are just so buried with submissions that they have little hope of catching up in any reasonable time frame at this point.)

Not a business model (apple's) to be proud of in this area at least.

Rich

Personally, I'm embarrassed for them. It just makes no sense, and makes them look bad. And usually, they are known for quality and great customer service. Look at every poll related to computer service -- they win every time.

Hopefully things will turn around soon there.