Ed Steckley - NYC based humorous illustrator

A word about Apple

posted 11.9.09 at 1:00 pm
Got back from the annual ISCA convention last night, and will post a wrap of that later on... But, in the meantime, I want to point out an interesting blog post by my buddy Tom Richmond that really struck a chord with me.
Back in summer, he was commissioned to draw little caricatures of every member of Congress, to be later programmed as an iPhone app, eventually all being made into cute little bobbleheads that would bobble when you shook the phone or tapped the heads with your finger.

To go along with each of these drawings (all 540 of them), all of the Congressman's info would be displayed; history, contact info, etc. etc. You could even find members of Congress representing your area by using the Apple GPS. All in all, this was a really awesome idea for an iPhone app, if for nothing else in that it's a completely bi-partison way to get to get people interested in politics without being boring or dry.
Well, yesterday the app got turned down by Apple, because:

it contains content that ridicules public figures and is in violation of Section 3.3.14 from the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement which states:

“Applications may be rejected if they contain content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, sounds, etc.) that in Apple’s reasonable judgement may be found objectionable, for example, materials that may be considered obscene, pornographic, or defamatory.”

Now, I don't own an Apple, I'm a Blackberry guy. However, I'm a fan of the iPhone; indeed I own two iPods, one which is for app downloads exclusively!

However, knowing that a useful app such as this, which is in no way harmful or derogatory, but rather has fun, cartoony caricatures as it's focus, gets the ax, while the infamous 'Shaken Baby' app (where a baby gradually dies the harder you shake the device) gets passed (though eventually revoked) is absolutely outrageous.
This app is in no way 'pornographic or obscene', nor is it in any way defamatory. They are fun, lighthearted caricatures that in no way paint the subjects in a bad light. Apple, in it's ultimate wisdom, see's otherwise. Check out how hurtful and pornographic these images are:

Whew! Luckily our eyes have been shielded of these disgraceful images! Thanks, Apple! Wouldn't want the world to know that John McCain has a small chin!

So, next time you're looking for an insightful way to learn a bit about American politics using your $599 iPhone, though the Congressional Bobblehead app won't be there, the (and I'm not kidding, here) "Blow her, shake her, touch her and more app" WILL be:

"Have your own virtual girlfriend on your iPhone for less than the price of a cup of coffee or a beer, and shake her around!"

Because who doesn't love shaking women around?!?

Or how about:

“Have you always wanted to play with guns but were afraid to get hurt? iRevolver is your answer!” proclaims the developer of “iRevolver,” which it bills as the “most realistic revolver simulator for the iPhone.”

But wait, there’s more: “Are you and your friends up for a daring and unnerving game of Russian roulette but don't want to get hurt? Load some bullets into the gun, swipe your finger across the cylinder to spin and pull the trigger to test your luck!”

That's not objectionable at all.

And, my personal favorite: iControlHer

"Have you ever wished to have a remote control for people?"

By "for people," they mean for women, or else it would be called "iControlPeople." Just point the remote at your wife when the bitch won't shut up! :) :)

Now, let it be known that I'm no prude. I'm a huge fan of dirty jokes, I admit. But contradictions like this have to be brought to task.
Way to go, Apple!
For the whole story, go to Tom's blog...
As a side note to all this, Ray Griggs, the developer of the app, was scheduled to make appearances on both the Glenn Beck and Mick Huckabee shows next week to talk about the app! Now that it's been axed, those interviews will no doubt have a very different slant than intended.... That should be interesting.