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Defying App Store dogma with the Kevin Smith app

The question is this: If an application that simulates flatulence is worth 99 cents, is it reasonable to spend the same amount on an app that delivers a full-force, stun-an-elephant dosage of information about one cult actor/director? We're about to find out: here comes the Kevin Smith app [iTunes link], for everything Kevin Smith and all your Kevin Smith needs.

If you're thinking "Who is Kevin Smith and why should I care?" you can tune out now; this app isn't for you. If you quote Chasing Amy, have dressed up as a character from Clerks for Halloween, and voluntarily chose to see Jersey Girl: it's your lucky day. The $0.99 app includes a custom feed of candid Kevin photos, a single-user Twitter client (!) so you can follow Kevin's 140-character bon mots, news feeds from Kevin's site with podcast/media downloads, a "photo with Silent Bob" tool, a Rant soundboard of Kevin quips... even a Kevin ringtone to go with your Kevin wallpaper.

I am not making any of this up.

In fairness to Kevin and his development team, I don't think they're taking themselves completely seriously here -- and if when Kevin and co. come to Macworld Expo to promote the app, you can bet we will be there to get an in-person demo.

To quote the man, the myth, the legend:
Yes, it may be the Pet Rock of the 21st century. But be honest: you've spent .99 cents on way dumber crap. If you're remotely into my nonsense, at the very least, this me-centric app will make you smile. At the very most, you'll put a noose around your neck, utter "It's all for you, Official Kevin Smith iPhone App!", and step off a ledge. Let's hope your reaction's somewhere betwixt the two.
I'm almost afraid to search the store to see what other single-subject apps have been officially endorsed by their celebrity co-creators. If you had to pick a person that was deserving of his or her own app (aside from Kevin Smith), who would it be and why?

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The question is this: If an application that simulates flatulence is worth 99 cents, is it reasonable to spend the same amount on an app...
 

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acduke

Haha, I downloaded the Ochocinco app when it was temporarily free just so I could leave a bad review for it.

Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco is the shining example of someone who is full of themselves.

December 18 2009 at 6:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Michael

Joss Whedon

December 18 2009 at 5:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
unteins

Seriously TUAW needs to hire a researcher to you know research things they talk about in the articles. Case in point, Kevin Smith will be at Macworld. How do I know?Macworld has sent me no less than three emails announcing his attendance.

December 18 2009 at 12:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Martin

Snoogans.

December 18 2009 at 11:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Woz

I will gladly spend a buck on this app. Afterall, I've enjoyed countless hours listening to his Smodcast for free that this is the least I can do.

December 18 2009 at 10:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
terssi

"If you had to pick a person that was deserving of his or her own app (aside from Kevin Smith), who would it be and why"?

Ray William Johnson - because he's short.

December 18 2009 at 6:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
contact

Just how vain would you come across if you had an app about yourself on your own phone? It's like some paradox causality matrix of vanity.

His movies may waver widly in quality imo, but Kevin Smith is a hell of a funny guy though.

December 18 2009 at 6:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to contact's comment
Charli

it seems vain, but he is a celeb. and some folks do follow him. i could see studios doing this kind of thing for movies or tv shows and perhaps if stars had this kind of open, albeit one way, communication with fans the tabloids wouldn't be able to score with tons of false rumors about his love life, her supposed depression and drinking blah blah. it really would be just an extension of the 'official web page' idea.

and for a dollar, that's not bad. especially if it's not packed with ads and junk. even a couple of dollars is reasonable. more than that is pushing it.

December 18 2009 at 11:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
artifex

"Just how vain would you come across if you had an app about yourself on your own phone? It's like some paradox causality matrix of vanity."

It's pure calculation. Since his work is of a style that appeals to people vulnerable to wink-and-nod and anti-hip advertising, then the successful way to make money off them is to be as self-referential and obvious as possible. Remember: buying something *ironically* means you still fork over the money :)

December 18 2009 at 3:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Derick Brown

"So you can follow Kevin's 140-character bon mots"

Rarely does he confine himself to 140 characters.

December 18 2009 at 6:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

I can honestly admit I've dressed as Silent Bob on more than one occasion...

December 18 2009 at 6:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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