I was disappointed in this post. I would think that as someone working on app development you might be more aware of the process. If you are interested in what is going on at Smarty Ears, we are doing our best to put out quality products that meet the needs of SLPs, and as SLPs ourselves that perspective plays into every decision we make. I have been involved in the creation of three apps and have written iTunes descriptions of each. By citing studies, we actually provide therapists with justification of techniques supported in the literature that have influenced the development of the app. We actually discuss these as the app is developed, and by placing them in the iTunes description our intent is not to say that the app has been subjected to research trials. How could it have been, the description must be written before the app is released? I am sorry that you think that is misleading, but it is really not the purpose of providing citations. An SLP can read those descriptions and see that, for example, working on synonyms, categories, or whatever the app addresses is supported by literature, and in the wider view of EBP (as is supported by ASHA’s 3 prong model), that is valuable information. It’s really not intended solely for marketing, though, as you know, a ton of time goes into creating apps and our intent is not to work for free, either.
As for Barbara leaving a review, that is something that can be done when an app is downloaded, and it’s pretty transparent as to who she is.
I really don’t want to engage in a negative dialogue and obviously I have a vested interest in Smarty Ears as I have developed with them (and disclose that whenever I feature one of my apps on my own blog, posts that are balanced by hundreds of others in which, like you, I have given away information for free). I do think it’s important to note that there are other reasons to beware of iTunes reviews. I have had colleagues receive negative reviews from customers who didn’t actually understand the stated purpose of the app. I always encourage people at my presentations to view the screenshots and also video tutorials (available freely on YouTube) so they can make the most informed decision on whether to buy the app.
I really support what you are doing with this blog, Mirla, and often have recommended you to others, but I am confused by the vitriol here. You do of course have the right to your opinion and criticism, and perhaps we’ll just agree to disagree.