I think there is a lot more to this, and I think you're onto something.
Buying coffee is not only a social activity, it's something that's seen as a sociable thing to do.
Buying apps is indeed a solitary activity, and - despite the burgenoing marketplace - is still something slightly outside of the mainstream.
I suspect there is trust issues here - the average app isn't well trusted as opposed to the average cup of coffee - as well as exchanging money for a virtual thing as opposed to a physical.
edit : thinking further about this - the top n listings are just like the coffee queue. It's self reinforcing because you see other people are buying the app, which overcomes some of the trust issues. We all think - well, all these other people bought it, must be something OK about it.
The problem this brings about is the self-reinforcing top of the market which becomes harder for others to break into.
Buying coffee is not only a social activity, it's something that's seen as a sociable thing to do.
Buying apps is indeed a solitary activity, and - despite the burgenoing marketplace - is still something slightly outside of the mainstream.
I suspect there is trust issues here - the average app isn't well trusted as opposed to the average cup of coffee - as well as exchanging money for a virtual thing as opposed to a physical.
edit : thinking further about this - the top n listings are just like the coffee queue. It's self reinforcing because you see other people are buying the app, which overcomes some of the trust issues. We all think - well, all these other people bought it, must be something OK about it.
The problem this brings about is the self-reinforcing top of the market which becomes harder for others to break into.