Apple CEO Steve Jobs has always had a penchant for replying to questions and accusations over his very public email address, but yesterday he went one step further, verbally sparring with a Gawker writer on topics such as freedom, Flash and pornography.
Ryan Tate was angered by an Apple TV commercial that referred to the iPad as “revolutionary”, and immediately penned an email to Jobs. It’s not surprising that Jobs answered, but the debate continued over several emails.
Tate is clearly writing out of frustration or anger, but Jobs remains cool and calm, calling Tate on misinformation and biased views. To his credit, Tate admits he regrets a few of his arguments, particularly the idea that his family supports his porn browsing needs.
Ultimately, the discussion ends when Jobs turns the tables, asking Tate if he has ever created anything great or merely criticizes the work and motivation of others.
Plenty of people are angry at Apple and Jobs’ approach to controlling it’s platform, but you have to hand it to Jobs. He has a set of values regarding his products and company, and will vehemently and publicly defend them. The success of Apple’s products has provided them a platform, at least they have proved beyond a doubt that they are motivated by more than just money.
1Up Apple. Never visiting Gawker again.
I personally haven’t gotten into the whole debate over whether or not flash should be admitted on Apple devices or even keeping a closed OS for that matter. The devices work great and so long as they keep moving forward I am happy. But I will say that I am extremely happy to see that they will not allow porn apps. Porn has its place online and if Apple doesn’t want apps then that fine. I publish my own site and I wouldn’t allow for porn videos or links much like many other sites wouldn’t either. I’m not against porn, it just doesn’t belong on my site and Apple feels the same way about their products.
It’s funny how polarizing the porn issue is, especially considering the fact that any device that allows unrestricted access to the internet will never really be completely free of porn. Generally people with children seem to be the most sympathetic to Jobs’ crusade, but most people are comfortable with the idea that they can go look for porn if they want it, and don’t want their everyday interactions to be overrun by it.
There’s just something about most of the Gawker staff that leads me to believe they are complete and total douche canoes, and they keep reinforcing that belief with every step they take.
I can’t decide who I dislike more, Gawker (Specifically Gizmodo) or Apple the company. Though on this issue, I have to side against old Steve. The iPad is designed for the iSheep and is nothing remotely close to being a “revolutionary” device.
Also, how has Apple proven beyond any doubt that they are after more than just money?