You've only quoted part of the mail. The full message read:
'Not to worry. All matter is just merely energy condensed to a slow vibration. We are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is just a dream. And we are the imagination of ourselves. And Flash sux.'
hahaha @ "the billionaire" - like that's his most distinguishing feature.
It's to signal the fact that the opportunity cost of his time is VERY high, and so, even the time taken to belt out a 'yep' to some riff-raff costs him a lot.......
I'm one who's also gotten replies (more than one) from Steve on other issues.
Presuming they are from him, I wonder what the process is for which emails he actually sees and responds to... I would imagine, (especially since its publicly known he does reply to some emails), that he receives hundreds a day and he can't possibly have the time to read them all personally...There must be some gatekeepers that screens and pass through the ones he thinks he might like to answer...
Nonetheless, it's pretty cool that the CEO of a company the size of Apple does do this
Of course, from a PR perspective, its a neat technique too
I really wish there was something other than iTunes for syncing stuff that has no relationship whatsoever to "tunes".
You mean like iPhoto for pictures?
As stated, ATT has no need or prob. even desire to sell the iPad until the 3G version comes out, so it makes perfect sense that they're not a launch partner.
And I'm not sure I'd like a universal inbox. Yes, it's a bit annoying to have to go back two screens to switch between inboxes, but I also like having my inboxes segregated. It's the whole reason that I have multiple email addresses in the first place!
The 3g iPad doesn't go on sale for a few weeks after the Wifi-only iPad.
I'd think AT&T would carry the 3G version when it launches.
I'm not so sure about that.
AT&T has a lot of retail stores; Apple would really need to have a bunch ready to offer to AT&T. It's not like feeding the Best Buy channel (far fewer stores).
It's possible that AT&T is not pushing very hard to be an iPad 3G launch partner. It's a fair amount of inventory for an unproven product that may not generate much in the way of recurring revenue for AT&T.
AT&T has to buy at the wholesale price from Apple, it's not like they will be selling on consignment.
With the current influx in SJ emails, does anyone else smell bull$#it or is it just me.
Just seems really strange that all of a sudden he starts replying on mass to people from his iphone thats all.
Your suspicions aren't unreasonable.
However, Steve's ego is big enough that I'm guessing that he wouldn't let anyone pretend to be him, even a highly trained puppet from Apple Corporate PR. After all, he would have to instruct someone to say "answer this e-mail, that one, and that one, but not those. And here's what I want you to say." Sounds wasteful of his time.
Steve has time to read e-mails and there are probably some heavy filters on his inbox (e.g., prioritize apple.com messages). He probably peruses his "outside" e-mail messages while he's sitting on his plane. My guess is that the e-mails he is responding to are very succinct and get to the point of things. He's probably not the type to read a three-page diatribe about why the MacBook Pro's late release is upsetting the balance of the cosmos.
Personally, I think it's borderline insane that Apple is structured so that critical, prerelease nuggets of information about basic functionality of what Apple intents as a vitally important device are the result of random email interactions with the CEO.
I mean, Steve is a very interesting dude, undeniably successful and arguably the engine of Apple's renaissance. But acting like Apple is Steve's crazy inventor lab and information is meted out on his whim is just unprofessional. If the iPad can do stuff, tell us. If you want to hold some cool stuff back till just before release, do that. If you want to dribble out bits of good news to keep interest high, have a blog, or update the web page, or issue a press release, or something.
But gnomic emails to "average dude@ anywhere.com"? Sure, if you're a startup with 1000 customers, or a niche business, or even if Apple generally had a relaxed, friendly relationship with its customers. But from famously controlling "We will send our Ninjas to kill you if you cross us" Apple? Just..... erratic.
Personally, I think it's borderline insane that Apple is structured so that critical, prerelease nuggets of information about basic functionality of what Apple intents as a vitally important device are the result of random email interactions with the CEO.
I mean, Steve is a very interesting dude, undeniably successful and arguably the engine of Apple's renaissance. But acting like Apple is Steve's crazy inventor lab and information is meted out on his whim is just unprofessional. If the iPad can do stuff, tell us. If you want to hold some cool stuff back till just before release, do that. If you want to dribble out bits of good news to keep interest high, have a blog, or update the web page, or issue a press release, or something.
You commented on this thread, so whatever Steve is doing is working.
Also, based on Apple's financial results over the past 5-7 years, I would say that whatever Steve is doing is largely successful.
As a longtime AAPL shareholder, I am happy to re-elect Steve to the board of directors every year. The senior management team is executing a business plan that results in increased shareholder value. With a five-year ROI of almost 600%, it would be a bit ungrateful for me to deeply criticize Steve's actions.
You commented on this thread, so whatever Steve is doing is working.
Also, based on Apple's financial results over the past 5-7 years, I would say that whatever Steve is doing is largely successful.
As a longtime AAPL shareholder, I am happy to re-elect Steve to the board of directors every year. The senior management team is executing a business plan that results in increased shareholder value. With a five-year ROI of almost 600%, it would be a bit ungrateful for me to deeply criticize Steve's actions.
Yeah, sure, as I say, no one can argue with success, and it's not like it's a hanging offense, or anything. I just find it weird. Weird for Apple, as a corporate entity. It's also not clear to me that Steve's success should just give him carte blanche to do anything he wants, as if he literally were Apple-- despite how closely he is associated with the brand.
Answering the odd email isn't going to make or break the iPad, or anything, so it strikes me less as an example of his keen sense of marketing strategy and more along the lines of an indulged eccentricity. Apple isn't actually obliged to tolerate it if Steve starts behaving oddly in public, no matter how indebted they are to his enormous achievements.
And at some point they're going to have to make a go of it without Steve, so it probably wouldn't hurt to sort of conduct themselves in a semi-predictable fashion. Again, we're not talking about Steve making an offhand impolitic remark or something, we're talking about his (seemingly offhand) remarks being the only source of new information on a critical product. The iPad is bigger than Steve. Apple is bigger than Steve. They might want to start acting like it.
And at some point they're going to have to make a go of it without Steve, so it probably wouldn't hurt to sort of conduct themselves in a semi-predictable fashion. Again, we're not talking about Steve making an offhand impolitic remark or something, we're talking about his (seemingly offhand) remarks being the only source of new information on a critical product. The iPad is bigger than Steve. Apple is bigger than Steve. They might want to start acting like it.
I don't see any problem with Steve's recent e-mails. As a matter of fact, it would be refreshing to see more Fortune 500 CEOs personally answer messages.
And Steve really said nothing. "Not to worry" was his response about new Macs. Even this e-mail doesn't really reveal anything. Apple has repeatedly stated that they were going to start iPad sales via Apple Stores (online & bricks-and-mortar) as well as selected "assisted retail" without naming specific channel partners.
The implication that a 3G-less iPad isn't launching at an AT&T store means nothing. They never promised it would launch at AT&T retail.
I don't see any problem with Steve's recent e-mails. As a matter of fact, it would be refreshing to see more Fortune 500 CEOs personally answer messages.
And Steve really said nothing. "Not to worry" was his response about new Macs. Even this e-mail doesn't really reveal anything. Apple has repeatedly stated that they were going to start iPad sales via Apple Stores (online & bricks-and-mortar) as well as selected "assisted retail" without naming specific channel partners.
The implication that a 3G-less iPad isn't launching at an AT&T store means nothing. They never promised it would launch at AT&T retail.
I was thinking more about the two items you don't mention: that there will be a way to get iWorks documents on the iPad from iWork.com and that the iPhone is getting a universal inbox.
Those are both pieces of significant functionality, and probably of interest to more than a few people who would like to plan their purchases with all relevant data in hand.
I have no problem with Steve sending out chatty emails (or, I suppose, terse emails). I do have a bit of a problem with Apple the company putting information into the channel that way, without any formal acknowledgement.
I have no problem with Steve sending out chatty emails (or, I suppose, terse emails). I do have a bit of a problem with Apple the company putting information into the channel that way, without any formal acknowledgement.
And I have no problem with Steve's offhand comments because there is no timeframe for the implementation of such features. If Apple makes an official statement (which they wouldn't -- those two pieces of functionality don't really merit a press release), one would expect a release date.
Again, Steve has basically said nothing since he provides no timeframe. How long did it take Apple to implement cut-and-paste or background notifications on the iPhone?
People go to a AT&T Store to buy a phone, not a combo device like a iPad.
Also the iPad is dependent upon another computer, needs more accessories and such, so Apple wants the opportunity to upsell the purchaser of a iPad. Something AT&T won't do.
My first thought was 'duh'. cause the 3g models are not out.
Not to mention that they apparently aren't handling the ipad data service via typical accounts so what would it service ATT to have them in store anyway
I suspect ATT will never sell the iPad. Granting BBY exclusivity inevitably will yield better ASPs for Apple selling iPads to BBY. And since not all iPad buyers will utilize 3G service I don't think ATT will ever sell the iPad. It is possible but I just don't think it's necessary and the exclusive economics are better than granting ATT the right to sell it too. At this point, I do think inventory is also going to be an issue and there is no way that Apple is going to send only 100 or so iPads to every Apple retail store, BBY store (1,000+ stores in the U.S.) and ATT store throughout the country. Once the initial supply constraints subside after a few months we might see ATT carry the iPad but I honestly don't think it will ever happen. Apple knows that BBY's blue shirts will sell the hell out of the iPad and that in conjunction with the Apple stores and the online store will be more than enough to shatter unit sales expectations.
The talk that AT&T benefits naught from selling a contract-free 3G iPad make sense, but if they offered the iPad tied to a contract, like they do with the 3G netbooks they sell. For instance, selling the 16 3G iPad for $379 or ($629 − $250)?
Comments
I wasn't getting "snippy" (upset).
Aww crap! Now I'm the one who was snippy. Sorry (pot, kettle and all that).
It WILL work with T-Mobile (EDGE) but not on their 3G.
And here I am not reading your post carefully. Damn hypocrite...
Anyway, I'm glad that's all cleared up.
You've only quoted part of the mail. The full message read:
'Not to worry. All matter is just merely energy condensed to a slow vibration. We are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is just a dream. And we are the imagination of ourselves. And Flash sux.'
Priceless. Thank you allblue. You made my day.
hahaha @ "the billionaire" - like that's his most distinguishing feature.
It's to signal the fact that the opportunity cost of his time is VERY high, and so, even the time taken to belt out a 'yep' to some riff-raff costs him a lot.......
The iPad will sync documents with iTunes, just like the iPhone currently does,
Huh. I have somehow missed this feature all this time. Can you please explain how I can sync documents to my iPhone?
Presuming they are from him, I wonder what the process is for which emails he actually sees and responds to... I would imagine, (especially since its publicly known he does reply to some emails), that he receives hundreds a day and he can't possibly have the time to read them all personally...There must be some gatekeepers that screens and pass through the ones he thinks he might like to answer...
Nonetheless, it's pretty cool that the CEO of a company the size of Apple does do this
Of course, from a PR perspective, its a neat technique too
The iPad will sync documents with iTunes, just like the iPhone currently does, and will also access cloud, Web, and local file shares.
Huh. I have somehow missed this feature all this time. Can you please explain how I can sync documents to my iPhone?
AppleInsider "journalism" at its finest!
I really wish there was something other than iTunes for syncing stuff that has no relationship whatsoever to "tunes".
I really wish there was something other than iTunes for syncing stuff that has no relationship whatsoever to "tunes".
You mean like iPhoto for pictures?
As stated, ATT has no need or prob. even desire to sell the iPad until the 3G version comes out, so it makes perfect sense that they're not a launch partner.
And I'm not sure I'd like a universal inbox. Yes, it's a bit annoying to have to go back two screens to switch between inboxes, but I also like having my inboxes segregated. It's the whole reason that I have multiple email addresses in the first place!
The 3g iPad doesn't go on sale for a few weeks after the Wifi-only iPad.
I'd think AT&T would carry the 3G version when it launches.
I'm not so sure about that.
AT&T has a lot of retail stores; Apple would really need to have a bunch ready to offer to AT&T. It's not like feeding the Best Buy channel (far fewer stores).
It's possible that AT&T is not pushing very hard to be an iPad 3G launch partner. It's a fair amount of inventory for an unproven product that may not generate much in the way of recurring revenue for AT&T.
AT&T has to buy at the wholesale price from Apple, it's not like they will be selling on consignment.
Just seems really strange that all of a sudden he starts replying on mass to people from his iphone thats all.
With the current influx in SJ emails, does anyone else smell bull$#it or is it just me.
Just seems really strange that all of a sudden he starts replying on mass to people from his iphone thats all.
Your suspicions aren't unreasonable.
However, Steve's ego is big enough that I'm guessing that he wouldn't let anyone pretend to be him, even a highly trained puppet from Apple Corporate PR. After all, he would have to instruct someone to say "answer this e-mail, that one, and that one, but not those. And here's what I want you to say." Sounds wasteful of his time.
Steve has time to read e-mails and there are probably some heavy filters on his inbox (e.g., prioritize apple.com messages). He probably peruses his "outside" e-mail messages while he's sitting on his plane. My guess is that the e-mails he is responding to are very succinct and get to the point of things. He's probably not the type to read a three-page diatribe about why the MacBook Pro's late release is upsetting the balance of the cosmos.
I mean, Steve is a very interesting dude, undeniably successful and arguably the engine of Apple's renaissance. But acting like Apple is Steve's crazy inventor lab and information is meted out on his whim is just unprofessional. If the iPad can do stuff, tell us. If you want to hold some cool stuff back till just before release, do that. If you want to dribble out bits of good news to keep interest high, have a blog, or update the web page, or issue a press release, or something.
But gnomic emails to "average dude@ anywhere.com"? Sure, if you're a startup with 1000 customers, or a niche business, or even if Apple generally had a relaxed, friendly relationship with its customers. But from famously controlling "We will send our Ninjas to kill you if you cross us" Apple? Just..... erratic.
Personally, I think it's borderline insane that Apple is structured so that critical, prerelease nuggets of information about basic functionality of what Apple intents as a vitally important device are the result of random email interactions with the CEO.
I mean, Steve is a very interesting dude, undeniably successful and arguably the engine of Apple's renaissance. But acting like Apple is Steve's crazy inventor lab and information is meted out on his whim is just unprofessional. If the iPad can do stuff, tell us. If you want to hold some cool stuff back till just before release, do that. If you want to dribble out bits of good news to keep interest high, have a blog, or update the web page, or issue a press release, or something.
You commented on this thread, so whatever Steve is doing is working.
Also, based on Apple's financial results over the past 5-7 years, I would say that whatever Steve is doing is largely successful.
As a longtime AAPL shareholder, I am happy to re-elect Steve to the board of directors every year. The senior management team is executing a business plan that results in increased shareholder value. With a five-year ROI of almost 600%, it would be a bit ungrateful for me to deeply criticize Steve's actions.
You commented on this thread, so whatever Steve is doing is working.
Also, based on Apple's financial results over the past 5-7 years, I would say that whatever Steve is doing is largely successful.
As a longtime AAPL shareholder, I am happy to re-elect Steve to the board of directors every year. The senior management team is executing a business plan that results in increased shareholder value. With a five-year ROI of almost 600%, it would be a bit ungrateful for me to deeply criticize Steve's actions.
Yeah, sure, as I say, no one can argue with success, and it's not like it's a hanging offense, or anything. I just find it weird. Weird for Apple, as a corporate entity. It's also not clear to me that Steve's success should just give him carte blanche to do anything he wants, as if he literally were Apple-- despite how closely he is associated with the brand.
Answering the odd email isn't going to make or break the iPad, or anything, so it strikes me less as an example of his keen sense of marketing strategy and more along the lines of an indulged eccentricity. Apple isn't actually obliged to tolerate it if Steve starts behaving oddly in public, no matter how indebted they are to his enormous achievements.
And at some point they're going to have to make a go of it without Steve, so it probably wouldn't hurt to sort of conduct themselves in a semi-predictable fashion. Again, we're not talking about Steve making an offhand impolitic remark or something, we're talking about his (seemingly offhand) remarks being the only source of new information on a critical product. The iPad is bigger than Steve. Apple is bigger than Steve. They might want to start acting like it.
And at some point they're going to have to make a go of it without Steve, so it probably wouldn't hurt to sort of conduct themselves in a semi-predictable fashion. Again, we're not talking about Steve making an offhand impolitic remark or something, we're talking about his (seemingly offhand) remarks being the only source of new information on a critical product. The iPad is bigger than Steve. Apple is bigger than Steve. They might want to start acting like it.
I don't see any problem with Steve's recent e-mails. As a matter of fact, it would be refreshing to see more Fortune 500 CEOs personally answer messages.
And Steve really said nothing. "Not to worry" was his response about new Macs. Even this e-mail doesn't really reveal anything. Apple has repeatedly stated that they were going to start iPad sales via Apple Stores (online & bricks-and-mortar) as well as selected "assisted retail" without naming specific channel partners.
The implication that a 3G-less iPad isn't launching at an AT&T store means nothing. They never promised it would launch at AT&T retail.
I don't see any problem with Steve's recent e-mails. As a matter of fact, it would be refreshing to see more Fortune 500 CEOs personally answer messages.
And Steve really said nothing. "Not to worry" was his response about new Macs. Even this e-mail doesn't really reveal anything. Apple has repeatedly stated that they were going to start iPad sales via Apple Stores (online & bricks-and-mortar) as well as selected "assisted retail" without naming specific channel partners.
The implication that a 3G-less iPad isn't launching at an AT&T store means nothing. They never promised it would launch at AT&T retail.
I was thinking more about the two items you don't mention: that there will be a way to get iWorks documents on the iPad from iWork.com and that the iPhone is getting a universal inbox.
Those are both pieces of significant functionality, and probably of interest to more than a few people who would like to plan their purchases with all relevant data in hand.
I have no problem with Steve sending out chatty emails (or, I suppose, terse emails). I do have a bit of a problem with Apple the company putting information into the channel that way, without any formal acknowledgement.
I have no problem with Steve sending out chatty emails (or, I suppose, terse emails). I do have a bit of a problem with Apple the company putting information into the channel that way, without any formal acknowledgement.
And I have no problem with Steve's offhand comments because there is no timeframe for the implementation of such features. If Apple makes an official statement (which they wouldn't -- those two pieces of functionality don't really merit a press release), one would expect a release date.
Again, Steve has basically said nothing since he provides no timeframe. How long did it take Apple to implement cut-and-paste or background notifications on the iPhone?
People go to a AT&T Store to buy a phone, not a combo device like a iPad.
Also the iPad is dependent upon another computer, needs more accessories and such, so Apple wants the opportunity to upsell the purchaser of a iPad. Something AT&T won't do.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_sell
Also Steve has been quite chatty lately, I'm wondering if he's at home and bored because he's not feeling so hot?
Unlikely he would be answering emails if he was busy at Cupertino.
Nice of him to reach out to his fans a little.
Haven't you heard? He has nothing to do ever since Gene Munster took over.
My first thought was 'duh'. cause the 3g models are not out.
Not to mention that they apparently aren't handling the ipad data service via typical accounts so what would it service ATT to have them in store anyway
I suspect ATT will never sell the iPad. Granting BBY exclusivity inevitably will yield better ASPs for Apple selling iPads to BBY. And since not all iPad buyers will utilize 3G service I don't think ATT will ever sell the iPad. It is possible but I just don't think it's necessary and the exclusive economics are better than granting ATT the right to sell it too. At this point, I do think inventory is also going to be an issue and there is no way that Apple is going to send only 100 or so iPads to every Apple retail store, BBY store (1,000+ stores in the U.S.) and ATT store throughout the country. Once the initial supply constraints subside after a few months we might see ATT carry the iPad but I honestly don't think it will ever happen. Apple knows that BBY's blue shirts will sell the hell out of the iPad and that in conjunction with the Apple stores and the online store will be more than enough to shatter unit sales expectations.
Home? I wonder what kind of digs he is using/renting while waiting for his shack to be torn down and rebuilt?
He has a nice home on two lots in Palo Alto. A friend drove me by there last year.