Custom Facebook app question

by jtripp
9 replies
Hello Warriors,

I have to admit that I don't know much about Facebook. So if this is a stupid question, please forgive me!

I'm working on having an app built for me that I would be able to install for businesses on their fan pages. What I need to know is whether all apps must be listed in the Facebook applications directory.

I don't want to pay for an app that everyone can get for free from the directory. Obviously they're not going to pay me to install it when they can do it themselves.

I was assuming I would have something like a script that only I would have access to and if a business wanted it they would have to pay me. But that's not what I'm hearing now from developers.

If anyone has any insight on how this works, please let me know.

Thanks!
Jennifer
#app #custom #facebook #question
  • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
    Hi,

    No, you don`t have to list it in the application directory (and actually it is harder to get listed there now). Your developers are incorrect -- you *can* restrict access to certain businesses/sites, etc -- all you have to do is check the UID. They need to read the facebook specs to figure out how to do that -- its not that hard really, but it sounds like they haven`t done a facebook app before.

    Bottomline, yes, you can restrict access, and no, you don`t have to list it in the app directory. But to get people to use it, you will have to promote it.
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    • Profile picture of the author jtripp
      Thank you so much for your quick reply.

      The one company I'm looking at have apparently done many Facebook apps so I think the problem is a miscommunication.

      Now that you've explained to me how it works, I will be able to discuss it with them knowing what I'm talking about and figure out where we're getting it wrong.

      Thanks again!
      Jennifer
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
    no problem
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  • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
    You do not have to submit it to the App Directory, this is your choice. Before it is submitted you must have people using the app anyways before it will be approved.

    I would seriously read facebook terms on Apps, not sure you are able to "charge" a fee to access the app. I think this is what you are saying.

    James
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    • Profile picture of the author jtripp
      Originally Posted by TheRichJerksNet View Post

      You do not have to submit it to the App Directory, this is your choice. Before it is submitted you must have people using the app anyways before it will be approved.

      I would seriously read facebook terms on Apps, not sure you are able to "charge" a fee to access the app. I think this is what you are saying.

      James
      Hmmm... I never even considered this.

      I just assumed that if I was doing the setup of the app (which involves graphic design and copywriting) that of course I could charge for my time to do that. It doesn't seem any different than the people who charge to build the app in the first place.

      This is definitely something I need to research.

      Anyone else have experience with this?

      Thanks,
      Jennifer
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      • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
        Jennifer,
        Oh ok ... Let me make sure I am on the same page as you ..lol

        You want to charge to setup a facebook app for someone else to use as their own ???

        If so then yes there is nothing at all wrong with that. If you are wanting to charge someone a fee to use your own app then that may be a different story and I am not sure if that is allowed...

        James

        Originally Posted by jtripp View Post

        Hmmm... I never even considered this.

        I just assumed that if I was doing the setup of the app (which involves graphic design and copywriting) that of course I could charge for my time to do that. It doesn't seem any different than the people who charge to build the app in the first place.

        This is definitely something I need to research.

        Anyone else have experience with this?

        Thanks,
        Jennifer
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnathan
    Actually, you can charge for people to use an app. Lots of people do it. But generally speaking, they have a 'free' (stripped down) version, and then if you pay, you get 'extra' stuff.

    However, there is talk among facebook people that they 'want' to start charging for 'commercial' apps. Last time I checked (about a month ago), they were still 'thinking' about it. Probably they will eventually start to charge, especially if what you have is profitable.
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    • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
      Originally Posted by Johnathan View Post

      Actually, you can charge for people to use an app. Lots of people do it. But generally speaking, they have a 'free' (stripped down) version, and then if you pay, you get 'extra' stuff.

      However, there is talk among facebook people that they 'want' to start charging for 'commercial' apps. Last time I checked (about a month ago), they were still 'thinking' about it. Probably they will eventually start to charge, especially if what you have is profitable.
      Bring on the charging for Facebook ... I bet it would cut out a bunch of the SpaMarketing ... Would not bother me one bit if they charged.

      I currently have 2 facebook apps up and I am fixing to release a 3rd and I have 2 more on hold that will be released next year..

      James
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  • Profile picture of the author TheRichJerksNet
    Originally Posted by Johnathan View Post

    Haha Yes... Actually, they've already implemented a number of changes that are starting to affect some apps...

    I've created my own app, but realized that there was a lot more work than I was prepared to do at the moment... (I thought it would be simple to do, but for what I wanted a lot more was required ) So I have my app 80% done (the actual app is done, but facebook integration, i.e., getting uid's/pictures/etc) is a bit annoying, so taking a break from that for a bit... BTW, what are your apps?
    Yeah facebook sure did not create their stuff to be user friendly ...lol It does take a bit to get an app setup ..

    One of mine is Login | Facebook Daily Scriptures which has no ads on it, none of mine will have ads... A few I will release soon are about marketing.. This is no self prmotion so I guess I am allowed to post it...

    James
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