The article (and it's associated links) simply keep restating the fact that app sales, like most things in and out of this category are a power law distribution. If you want to get into the top of the curve, you need exponentially greater quality / marketing.<p>Was there ever a time, even in the early days of the store, when making a shitty app would automatically bring in primary income?
The core concept of this article is solid - build something useful. That's how I'm getting triple digit year on year growth & traction with my app, <a href="http://www.getcampusmaps.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.getcampusmaps.com</a> . Students find the app easier to use than going to the visitors center and getting a paper map, and so it provides real value to them.<p>I disagree that the app store gold rush is completely over however - I entered a crowded space with established competitors (including each school's own app, Google Maps, Apple Maps, GuideBook, Blackboard, and many more, and am still able to carve out a solid niche for myself.<p>The trick is in not only providing value with the app, but having a scalable marketing strategy. Treat it like any other product you want to sell, don't ride the Appstore-luck wave.