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I assume this was submitted as a comment on Apple's recent actions with the app store. I don't think it applies. > Rent-seeking generally implies the extractio
by jpadvo 16y ago
I assume this was submitted as a comment on Apple's recent actions with the app store. I don't think it applies.
> Rent-seeking generally implies the extraction of uncompensated value from others without making any contribution to productivity, such as by gaining control of land and other pre-existing natural resources, or by imposing burdensome regulations or other government decisions that may affect consumers or businesses.
Apple isn't trying to extract value from a pre-existing resource or through government coercion. They're trying to extract value from something they built.
I agree that they're being really pushy about it, but they are bringing something to the table.
- exit 16y agoimagine building a fantastic social venue - something like a bar or community center. now, years after this venue is established as the go-to place for networking, suddenly mandate that all interactions which lead to a business relationship imply a 30% profit share in perpetuity for the venue. once i've downloaded an app from the appstore the relationship is between the developer and i. both parties have already paid their entrance fee to apples venue. artificially requiring that apps make apples subscription api available is just an underhanded way of creating the illusion that apple is still being productive. rent-seek is a perfectly valid characterization of what apple is doing. i don't care if it passes whatever filters our legal system stipulates. the definition of rent-seeking does not imply that the activity is illegal.