Apple being Apple: Apps being pulled without explanation

First it was iPint. Now BoxOffice. Apps are disappearing from the iTunes App Store, with no explanation. Sure NetShare disappeared, presumably because it allowed you to tether your computer to the iPhone for internet access. Strangely, it's back in the store now.

I understand the need to remove applications from the App Store for a variety of reasons. Apple should be upfront about those reasons though. Should someone who previously downloaded Box Office be concerned about the safety of their data? Was there a security reason for the removal of the software? It's bad enough that the App Store serves as the only way to legitimately get software for your iPhone, but to not be upfront with customers about why applications have disappeared is shady, You know, the kind of thing Apple said could be avoided by funneling applications through iTunes, rather than having an open market for software.

Well so far, that's given us five different flashlight applications, multiple RSS readers, and a piece of software allowing users to violate the terms of their AT&T agreement by data tethering (no matter how much we may want it). What exactly is the bigger evil we're being protected from by the App Store? Is it the innovation of the jailbroken apps, like the ability to record video, or create/edit documents? A non-scientific study of people I know with jailbroken phones and those using the app store, shows a larger number of restarts and application crashes from the approved applications.

I think it's fair to say Apple has previously been perceived as taking its customers for granted. The way the MobileMe situation was ultimately handled gave hope that maybe, just maybe, Apple had learned it's lesson. Consumers expect companies to be up front with them. If you sell an application, and have to remove it for violating terms, say that. If you have to remove it because it could compromise customer data, then say that. Just pretending the app never existed, and giving no information to those who already own the application is wrong.

There's a side of Apple that makes me stand in awe and wonder at how incredibly innovative and creative the company can be. This is not that side. Be forthcoming with your customers, and they will be more all the more loyal.

Box Office iPhone App Review

Get your movie tickets right from your phone. Check showtimes, get directions. Crazy times we're livin' in. Crazy times. Here's a look at BoxOffice for the iPhone: