MobileGadgetNews member and Windows Mobile Device software developer John Cody of Omnisoft notified MGN that Handango, probably the largest online mobile software store, has abruptly closed his account for no stated reason, thus making it impossible to honor a raffle prize that he won from them last year. MobileGadgetNews has not contacted Handango for comment on this disagreement, however, Handango is free to comment on our web site.
Update: Will Pinnell of Handango has responded. http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=13158&view=findpost&p=55954
Update 10/30/06: We have pinned this topic again since John has provided a new update on the thread, http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=13158&view=findpost&p=56010
John Cody stated:
The actions of Handango in this instance is deplorable. I recommend everyone click on the link to the Omnisoft website and use the form at the bottom of the page (after reading the emails to see just how unwarranted Handango's actions were) to send an email stating your opinion. This is what I sent them:
My name is Will Pinnell and I am the Senior Director of Content at Handango. I visited Omnisoft's site myself yesterday and read the available thread between John and members of our team. I also spoke with him on the phone this afternoon.
I'd like to assure you that Handango does not discontinue partnerships without cause, nor did we come to this decision lightly. We treat all of our 16,000 global content providers with respect and professionalism. Without divulging specifics, our collective decision to not distribute Omnisoft's content was based on additional information not publicly shared.
As you might imagine, in working with thousands of companies, we occasionally have content providers unsatisfied with our level of service or the decisions we make. I do however, admire John Cody, his company, and his drive to make customers aware of his applications. Handango wishes him the best of luck with his business.
It's great to at least see involvement in the community with posting in the forum instead of disregard for the concern raised. I suppose it is unfair to jump to the conclusion that Handango is at fault without hearing the reasoning for the discontinuation of John's partnership. If that reasoning isn't provided, at very least to the developer, suspicion is inevitably going to be raised. I'm not a software developer myself, so I may not fully understand the relationship presented, but would be curious to know what would constitute just cause to cancel a partnership, not only in this specific case but with all partnerships. I suppose the thing that bothered me most about this situation is the developer had his partnership canceled and doesn't even know the reason why.
First, my comments are exactly that... mine. They do not reflect the opinion of Mobile Gadget News or any of the Mobile Gadget News staff.
I read the entire post of email traffic and I am unable to accept the explaination that the Handango decision was based on some unknown or undisclosed information. The emails seem pretty clear as to how John tried to work with Handango in coming to an agreement. Handango in this case has said one thing and done another. Handango has seemingly punished Cody for their own lack of processes and documented agreements. In fact I submit that the email from the former Handango employee is a contract from Handango and they should do the HONORABLE thing and honor it. You don't keep customers by running off developers, and you don't stay on top without them either.
What should Handango do? Give John his account back, offer a public apology (because this whole event is now very public), and give him until the end of next year to use his ad balance that he was given by them in a contest.
In the future I submit that both Handango and the developers that choose to use their service remember a few points from this lesson:
1) Handango is out to make money. They are a business.
2) Get it in writing. If you can't get a formal contract do what John did, and that is to repeatedly email to make sure you understand the agreement made until you get a yes answer and save those emails.
3) This is for Handango specifically: honor your agreement. Just because you can terminate him does not mean you should. Its time to step up and do the right thing.
As I said at the onset of my post, this represents my opinion and only my opinion.
Mr. Pinnell,
I respect Handango's right to carry or not carry a particular product based on the company's judgment and values. I think the underlying issue is that Mr. Cody received value in winning the ad allowance and he was unable to collect that full value. Perhaps he could sell back to Handango, trade or resell the remaining (or discounted) ad allowance volume to another developer and everyone could move on.
I'm on the same page as slacker... what was promised should be honored. The fact that Noah is no longer with the company should not change anything.. and to cancel a partnership over that is just bad business (assuming its because of the award).
I personally agree with what Slacker said in his post above. He hit all the points, and I would consider that to be some solid advice. This has quickly become a very public topic on more than one Windows Mobile based web-site. I am not saying honor the contract because of the pressure of the press, but simply because it is the right thing to do and it is just good business.
I just posted an update to this issue:
http://www.omnisoft.com/articles/handango/default.asp
I also created a Newsletter on this topic that you can subscribe to for email updates on this issue.
I just keep shaking my head in disbelief as I read Handango's responses. I had problems with them that, just as a consumer, has kept me from buying any more software from them. Their treament of John Cody confirms what I thought I already knew...but felt alone in my belief...Handango is not a good company to patronize. And, so, I will not.
In response to the recent posts seen on MGN around Handango and this issue, I wanted to provide an update.
As I stated earlier, I'd like to assure you that Handango does not discontinue partnerships without cause, nor did we come to this decision lightly. In my nearly seven years at Handango, I've served as an advocate for small developers and appreciate the passion shown in your posts.
As a standard business practice, Handango strives to ensure productive and successful relationships with all our content provider partners. In the case of Omnisoft, we stand by our decision to not distribute the company’s content at this time, and we have issued a payment to John Cody at Omnisoft in the amount of the remaining marketing credit.
Thank you for your continued passion about the smartphone content space. We look forward to continuously improving our communications with our valued customers and content provider community.
Will Pinnell
Senior Director of Content
Handango
OK, this thread is closing and will only open if John Cody wants to post his view. Speaking only as the webmaster of MobileGadgetNews and I do not necessarily represent the views of my fellow Mods/Editors or Admins here are my thoughts.
I am pleased that websites like MGN can help resolve issues in the Windows Mobile Community in a civil manner without parties incurring legal costs. I believe that Handango is being reasonable in paying out the value of the prize to John. I also believe Handango has the right to do business with any one they want. Both Handango and John Cody should get back to their core activities and sell software and in the case of John, develop and sell software. MGN is extending one month of free banner ads to John Cody to help him with the transition.
Thank you all for you posts and enjoy your Windows Mobile device.
abatis
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