ObieJazz

In trying to promote my recently released iPhone app, I sent emails to several App Review sites with a blurb and a promo code for a free copy. One of the sites got back to me and said they have a huge backlog of apps to review, but they could guarantee mine a review for $50. Furthermore, if the review wasn't positive, they said they wouldn't publish it and they'd give me my money back.

First of all, is this standard practice in the App world? I had seen reports that this is common on domain registrar / hosting review sites but had no idea iPhone app review sites were working on payola also.

Second of all, is this a worthwhile investment? This is my first app and as an independent developer I don't have an advertising budget to speak of, but positive reviews seem to be really valuable for gaining exposure, and this site ranks high on Google searches (this was actually one of the selling points they mentioned). Maybe $50 is a small amount compared to how much traffic this might bring? On the other hand, I don't want to do business with a site that is dishonest to its readers, and there are other review sites out there that may run a review without asking for cash in return.

Thanks in advance for your advice!