Dear Mr Johnson,
(his email quoted below)
Thanks for the notice about an iPhone-friendly adaptation of GaydarMobile. However, that wasn’t the main thrust of my last communication to Gaydar on the matter. But it *is* nice to know you’re keeping track of ‘interest’.
Aside from the lack of an actual iPhone *application* for Gaydar, where this latest adaptation to the GaydarMobile website may be an acceptable compromise (I have no intention of finding out), my point is that I still think you’re NUTS for wanting to charge me US$48 for Gaydar + GaydarMobile, vs $28 for just Gaydar (3 months).
So, lemme get this right. Regardless of which mobile device I use, you want to charge me a 70% subscription premium to access the same service, simply for the ‘privilege’ of doing so from a mobile device?
I can’t comment on what others may or may not be doing specifically in the online gay dating site genre as regards mobile device access, but I *can* comment on the broader explosion of mobile accessibility options, and the business models behind them, and yours is heading, in my humble opinion, in 180 degrees the exact wrong direction, by charging *any* premium, let alone such a steep one, and is thus doomed to failure.
It’s my contention that free – or very low premium – access to said same service via mobile would attract a larger subscription (from the many guys who baulk at sitting down in front of a computer for any length of time – you see this sentiment expressed in profiles all the time), and thus pay your development costs, and *then* reap the reward. If you need any evidence of this rapidly growing phenomenon, I would draw your attention to iPhone apps such as WhosHere (for a ‘general’ audience but clearly embraced by gay men) & Grindr (specifically for gay men) to name just two.
Yours sincerely,
On 18/03/2009, at 3:02 AM, Simon Johnson wrote:
Hello iPhone Fan,
You recently got in touch with us as youd like to use GaydarMobile on your Apple iPhone. Great news! Weve updated GaydarMobile to now work on iPhone. Youll find GaydarMobile is easier to use on your iPhone than logging into the online version of Gaydar that uses frames and might be difficult for your phone to understand.
GaydarMobile lets you plan your perfect night in, even when youre out. Using your mobile phone you can send and receive messages, view profiles and chat to your friends and favourites. Heres how…
§ Text GAYDAR to 69080 (UK only) or tap in www.gaydarmobile.co.uk through your mobile phone internet browser.
§ Log in with your existing Gaydar username and password. If you dont have a Gaydar account, you can join free through GaydarMobile or online at Gaydar.net
§ Once youre logged into GaydarMobile follow the on screen instructions to validate your number.
Once youve followed the above steps youre ready to use GaydarMobile. Congratulations! GaydarMobile is very easy to use, and youll find that you have the same features available on your mobile as you do online. So it shouldnt take too long for you to find your way around.
GaydarMobile isnt a text service, however it does use data and you should check with your service provider if you have a data package. Most call packages now include data as standard.
Start cruising from the comfort and privacy of your mobile phone handset, no matter where you are. On the train, at your desk, on the beach, in your favourite bar or queuing in the supermarket. Who knows, a hot guy might be behind you!
I hope you find this information useful, if there are any other features of Gaydar youre unsure about or need help with, hit reply and ask questions. Were here 7 days a week, from 8am to 11pm (GMT).
At Gaydar we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service. If you haven’t received the support you’d expect, please let me or any of the Gaydar Support Team know.
Play your way, enjoy Gaydar.
Simon Johnson
Marketing & PR Manager
QSoft Consulting Ltd
