Apple seems to have begun cracking down on the apps that they are planning to allow into the App Store, we have already seen the Slasher app pulled because it was “objectionable,” however this latest app did not even make it into the store at all. The app is called Pull My Finger and well, it does exactly what you think it will do, you pull the finger and it makes some noise.
According to the developer, the following letter was the official denial from Apple.
Hello Developer,
We’ve reviewed your application Pull My Finger. We have determined that this application is of limited utility to the broad iPhone and iPod touch user community, and will not be published to the App Store.
It may be very appropriate to share with friends and family, and we recommend you review the Ad Hoc method on the Distribution tab of the iPhone Developer Portal for details on distributing this application among a small group of people of your choosing.
Regards,
Victor Wang
Worldwide Developer Relations
Apple, Inc.
Apple, of course claimed that this app offered “limited utility” and while its hard to argue that it offers little value, it also does not seem to have broken any of the SDK guidelines. Its also a little strange because it seems there are other slightly similar useless apps (Koi Pond) already in the App Store that also offer nothing of real value to the end user.
Personally I think its pretty funny, even if its slightly childish. I am not sure that I would have downloaded it, but it seems that I, as the user should be able to determine just what is of value to me.
The developer has also created a nice video demonstrating the Pull My Finger app, which comes along with a little plea for help.
![Glowing Apple logo mod for 2G iPhone [Video]](http://www.iphonefreak.com/wp-content/themes/freshnews/thumb.php?src=http://www.iphonefreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/iphone-apple-light-21.jpg&h=28&w=28&zc=1&q=80)
September 8th, 2008 at 10:37 am
As Robert wrote “it seems that I, as the user should be able to determine just what is of value to me” - I fully agree that Apple shouldn’t be making judgement calls on what is appropriate for us, their consumers. Childish it may be, but my young nephews would think it hilarious and I’m quite sure it would have been on my phone. Shame on Victor Wang for thinking he knows best.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Maybe they should just create a ’stupid’ category and put all the junk in there. I’ve almost given up on the App Store because it’s so full of crap that I can’t find the good stuff.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Does Apple’s App Store suckiness know no bounds? Apple, stop ruining your own product!
September 19th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I find this app to be an endearing addition to the stodgy “business” apps already available. I would add this app to my iPhone so fast it would make Victor Wang as useful as a real “pull my finger” in a windstorm. MTCFWIW
September 20th, 2008 at 11:48 am
As a woman, I must have this application to give to my son, my husband, my father and my grandfather because it is a well known fact that the difference between men and women is that men will find farting humorous well into their nineties.
Apple - give us our fart sounds!
September 20th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
This is a FINE example of American ingenuity! It would be great if it were available from the App Store, but if they won’t accept you, I have a feeling you can make a pretty good amount by selling it yourself… unless of course that’s not allowed or something silly like that.
Apple, PLEEEEEEEZE allow this app to be in the App Store!