Back in 2105, the Windows store decided to unpublish VLC Remote after I submitted an update.
I ran a competition to try to figure out why they had banned it. This attracted some media attention which ultimately resulted in a Windows Developer Platform manager contacting me. He quickly got some people on the case and the app was restored.
About three weeks later, I needed to update the description. The same thing happened again. Again, the same chap kicked some butt in the store and got the update approved.
A year or so later, and I have had a request from Microsoft to fill in their age rating questionnaire.
Of course – this requires submitting a new update, and of course the exact same problem is hitting. (Note – the app, and its description and screenshots are completely unchanged)
App Policies: 10.1 Inaccurate Representation, Title
Your app and its associated metadata must accurately and clearly reflect the source, functionality, and features of your app.
- <snip – list of policies>
Notes To Developer
The app name does not accurately represent the app.
For more information see Windows Store Policy 10.1 at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=620446.
This time, I haven’t had a response from the program manager (he has probably moved on in disgust)
I have resubmitted with a link to the original story, but have just had a somewhat meaningless response
Hello Rob,
Thank you for the follow up and I am showing that app under that account. Now I also reviewed over the listing and I would suggest contacting report app from the email below as they will be bale to assist you directly on the certification.
Report App: reportapp@microsoft.com
If you have any questions or concerns, please respond to this e-mail and we will work to resolve them as quickly as possible.
I don’t think this will help – clearly the issue is nothing to do with me reporting an infringement, or anyone else reporting an infringement. The issue is that every time I submit an update, Microsoft do the same brain-dead thing.
I’m going to try one more submission with the ‘do not fail… escalate to…’ note…
I guess Windows Store is dying, and Microsoft just want to clear out the few remaining apps.