If you are like me, learning about the world of iPhone programming is an ongoing quest. I have been through numerous texts, and sadly, quite a few have fallen by the wayside.  The good news is I think I’ve found the best book on this subject so far: The Business of iPhone App Development: Making and Marketing Apps that Succeed by Dave Wooldridge published by Apress.

Don’t look for the usual line-by-line code how-to.  There are plenty of sources out there for this kind of thing. This book has some very useful bits of programming advice and sections of code, that I totally intend to use. Wooldridge knows his stuff, but the vast majority of his ideas cover marketing and how to position the Apps you make. You can man-up and make the juiciest app computing has ever known, but honestly – do you know how to get it out there? Beat the competition? Have foursquare rate you “King of the Lab?”  No? Yeah, my point exactly. The only other book out there on the market covering this territory is Starting an iPhone Application Business For Dummies Yeah, Dummies.  Mr. Wooldridge’s book is vastly superior.

Wooldridge gave me the useful intel right from Chapter 1.  Here’s a little nugget we all cannot do without: The book recommends to set-up your iTunes Connect Contract with Apple, even before your App is completed.  If this isn’t done Apple will not be able to pay you.  Even though my App is not completed yet, I went ahead and did this step.  I have high hopes for my little brainchild and so should you.

He gives absolutely priceless advice about naming your app. I won’t give it away, but let’s just say that any app named supercalifraglisticexpialidocious is doomed to the dustbin of app history.

Free agents need to know their way around the business law pertaining to app development and the myriad ramifications involved the process including pricing. To charge or not to charge? That is the question.  Wooldridge out of the kindness of his heart takes you there, and in-depth too.  These chapters are survival manuals for working with freelance contractors and also companies outside your own.

Test accounts and the all important Submissions process are given a thorough run down before he introduces you to the world of marketing and buzz.  Twitter and Facebook are discussed as well as creating an appealing website that will be viewable on a iPhone.  Also, discussed are more traditional means such as email marketing using Constant Contact.

The Business of iPhone App Development: Making and Marketing Apps that Succeed Hey, I’ve got my copy. And I’m ahead of you on line.  Now go get yours!

I saw a commercial today on television about how the Geek Squad and Best Buy can help you remotely fix things on your computer. When did it become so hard to add a printer to your computer? I don’t know what’s more insulting that a modern couple couldn’t figure it themselves or that it’s magic. I could understand if they needed to setup a server or configure a network with twenty devices on it. Fail! The ad doesn’t work.

Well I have an advantage, I have a Mac and Apple makes it pretty easy with a service called Bonjour when you add a printer to your network it’s immediately recognized by your Mac. The printer drivers are installed as part of the Mac operating system and your Mac should be able to detect that it’s the correct model. It’s pretty darn simple.

If you still can’t get it to work Apple has a great support page. If you still need help just contact me directly.

I read on Gizmodo two days ago about how two guys made Stuck? in single weekend. That’s right - only 2 days! I have been working on my App for a number of months and it’s not done yet.

These guys have given me hope and thought I would pass along my thoughts and observations as I develop my own App. Plus I figured if I have to write about it will get done faster!

Here’s a little background about me, I have a company called Starlight Media in which I provide Mac tech support for small businesses based in New York City. I figured App development would be a natural fit, but the learning curve is a lot harder than I expected. I have found some great resources along the way such as Mobile Orchard and many others which I will explore with you further as this blog continues to take shape.

I am also taking MarsEdit for a test drive, I never used it to blog before. So far I am very impressed!

Hope you had a great New Year and I will see you back again here tomorrow!