For people groups of more then 20 million with a fair degree of internet access, maybe having your app on Google, may be beneficial … for such a group there are maybe enough labourers and enough downloads.
But for small groups in terms of numbers and/or in terms of relatively low use of internet or highly controlled internet use, I can imagine it wil not work and all the efforts and increasing efforts Google expects from the developers might be in vain or could better be invested in alternative ways.
Are there some among you all who would share some of their experiences and ideas?
Hi Joop,
While I don’t speak officially for Kalaam, we, as a group, have had similar thoughts - especially lately as Google has become an increasing challenge to work with.
While it would still require internet access, we think a Kalaam website is an great alternative. Combine a website with an app in Scriptoria, even if its on a Google Play Store, the website can provide digital access to information in any language. Scriptoria even allows for a direct link to an app in an apk format - allowing phone to phone sharing.
I’ll be curious what other replies come in. For anyone wanting to pursue a Kalaam website, go to our kalaam.org website to find out more.
It is a lot of work, but I think it is worth it. I serve primarily a group of 100,000 in Peru and my top app shows up as 100+ downloads, but I would do it again. People are used to going to the Play Store to look for apps and resources. It’s easy to install apps from there. And even if they just do a Google search, Play Store results are prioritized. Plus there is a prestige of having an app in the Play Store.
However for situations of “controlled internet use” it may not be worth it. In that case it might be better to go the route that @Dan_Neville is suggesting.
I’ve been trying the idea of a Facebook group instead of a website. Still in its infancy because I haven’t gotten a national to catch the vision for this. But with so many of the nationals I know on Facebook, it seems like it would be a good way for the community to share materials, if it catches on. Files can be hosted, and I’ve posted several Android apk files in it as well.