Apple Macworld Snub a "negotiating tactic"

Nick dePlume writes "Apple Computer's decision to not endorse the move of the east coast Macworld Expo convention from New York to Boston is a "negotiating tactic," albeit a shockingly public one, reports Think Secret. Sources believe Apple had firmly endorsed the move, which was announced today."

Comments

Straw man.

[torpor]

"Furthermore, if what they really want is to be in NYC, why threaten to boycott NYC 2003?"

I'd bet NYC 2003 is a strawman. What they want (and what ThinkSecret seem to imply) is that what Apple *want* to do is go back to Boston, but at much cheaper rates.

Playing bluff, in other words.

Of course, there's also the rampant possibility that I'm reading to much into this. A common sin.

Pure stupidity in my opinion.

[BoomerSooner]

This isn't Apple's convention. It is a convention for Apple.

The only thing I really hate about Apple is the extreme arrogance (and I am a switcher on the client side!).

If they don't want to go then to hell with them. I was considering paying the $1295 for the convention in January in SF but now... ah, who am I kidding, I need the write-off vacation.

Re:Pure stupidity in my opinion.

[BitGeek]

I don't see the arrogance.

conventions are marketing events. Microsoft controls the windows conventions. Its not surprising that Apple would require that MacWorld to meet its needs.

After all, it is really apple's convention, its not a convention for apple-- the people who put on that show are profiting on apple's support, not the other way around.

Re:Pure stupidity in my opinion.

[Kplusplus]

Since everything else isn't gonan go anywhere I'll reply to the last part. The reason that Apple is the only company making Macs is simple, when they licensed other companies, those companies severely undercut thier prices and rather than helping them to expand it cannibalized thier sales. And currently at this stage of the game, if Apple were to try the same thing it would happen again.

Perhaps a couple years down the line as the switch campaing becomes more succesful and the Palladium initiative is realized for what it is, then people will start flocking ot hte mac at a rate I doubt Apple can handle. Then they can relicense thier machines to others, because then they are guaranteed that in the long run that is a smart move. At this stage in the game, I just don't see it possible yet. maybe a couple years down the line. Personally I look forward ot the day I can make my own Mac with parts of my choosing in a gorgeous enclosure, just differnt enough that a mobo can't use it.

Oh and when is siad Apple supporting thier community I was referring to its continued Attendance since the conception of MacWorld, now f only they would give out free stuff other than just posters.

Re:Pure stupidity in my opinion.

[BitGeek]

Apple does not crack down on diversity. That's just silly. The only examples put forth for that I've heard of were people who were blatently using apple copyrighted stuff.

They don't keep their innovation closed off from the rest of the world-- everyone is free to use it. Hell, they build it into the OS or give it away for free completely as they did with rendezvous.

Somehow you seem to be ignoring the fact that Macs and Windows boxes are not compatible, and they never will be. And it ain't apple's arrogance that makes this the case.

Re:What does Apple have to gain from this?

[pudge]

If this ThinkSecret source is correct,

Isn't that all you need to know right there?

Sure, it's very possible Apple is just trying to gain some sort of leverage, either more space, discounts, more control, or even just to look like they are in control (yes, that matters to Apple). But while I think that is very possible, I wouldn't trust ThinkSecret.

Re:offtopic, but, Apple vs MS

[MoneyT]

Apple has always liked to tease it's competitors. Remember C:>ONGRATULATIONS.WIN95 ad that Apple ran? Or the "Welcome IBM, Really" ad. Apple keeps that edge to them because it sets them apart (for better or worse) from all the other computer makers.

Re:It reminds me a little of 1939.

[Kplusplus]

In the big picture a 45 million loss is next to nothing considering they bought out 3 companies and have more than 4 billion dollars in the bank. Why everyone seems to think this move is economically motivated is beyond me. Of all the possible reasons why Apple would not go to the show Money is the least probable.

Self promotion

[Incadenza]

So, you're called Nick de Plume and you're the Publisher and Editor in Chief of a site called "ThinkSecret". All fine by me. But why do you post messages about your own news/rumour site on /.? Will we get daily postings now, all CCed from ThinkSecret? Reeks like shameless pluggin to me.

Re:What does Apple have to gain from this?

[Nomad37]

What I find more interesting is the fact that the comment was submitted by Nick DePlume... editor of thinksecret...