95 Percent of the Apps in the App Store are Bad. And That's Okay

On more than a few occasions, while doing our video reviews of iPhone and iPod Touch apps, we've come across a few stinkers. And that's without counting the fart apps! But you know what? After nearly 18 months of those reviews, I've come to peace with the fact that I'll think 95% of the apps are bad, and you might too.

The fact is, most of the time when someone thinks an app is "bad," it's bad for them or doesn't do what they think it should. Just to be clear, there are admittedly apps for which the developers should be embarassed by even posting them. What we're talking about is different than technical shoddiness.

Perfect example of an app that many  might think is "bad" but that's ok: Previously, we reviewed Dolphin Fun: An app with limited capabilities and a bit of a complex interface. But for the right child, who loves dolphins/ the ocean, or simple shapes and colors, that app might not be bad at all. Maybe another app has what seems like a laborious interface, but to a person with a certain disability, it might be the easiest app to use.

Saying that 95% of the app in the app store are bad, is like saying 95% of the websites in the world are bad. True, you may only find something worthwhile in five percent of them, but that five percent is different for everyone. If I personally thought every app was perfect, then the app store would be catering to a very limited crowd.

So I say to app developers, as long as technically and ethically the app is solid, bring it on, no matter how many single star ratings others might give it.