I’ve been using Vesper since the day it launched and would easily put it in my top ten apps list if I was to make one. Earlier this week, I noted on Twitter that I wished there was an iPad optimized Vesper client and was pleasantly surprised yesterday when an update was released that added iPad support.

John Gruber, writing on the Vesper weblog:

Now that Vesper supports all iOS device layouts, we’re raising the regular price for the app to $9.99. With fast, reliable, unlimited sync, we think that’s a great value. But for a limited time, we’re making this version available for just $7.99. And it’s a free update for everyone who’s already purchased any previous version of Vesper, all the way back to 1.0.

I commend the folks at Q Branch for moving to sustainable pricing. I would have gladly paid $9.99 for Vesper because it’s a great app that’s incredibly well made. I hope other developers follow Q Branch’s lead and charge sane prices for their applications.

The App Store’s race to the bottom is bad for developers’ bottom line and rewards quantity over quality. I want more well built, thoughtful applications in the App Store and less poorly supported, often abandoned apps. And I for one, am willing to pay for that quality and, whenever the opportunity arises, encourage my friends and family to do so as well.