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Apple Agrees to Hold Off on Subpoenas
ido writes "Apple has agreed to hold off on serving subpoenas related to their John Doe civil suits against some free press journalists to reveal sources releasing Apple's "trade secrets." This is related to a previous article." The original story has some more background info as well. While Apple is notorious for its secrecy before MacWorlds, Apple probably figured out that dragging people into court usually does little for one's popularity.
Has Apple received extra PR attention? Yes.
Has Apple made it clear that it can and will do what it takes to suppress any leaks? Yes.
Apple is a profitable company, it doesn't need lawsuits to stay in business, cetainly not chasing its own tail or shooting in the dark lawsuits.
Rock that crushes, Paper & Scissors that don't matter.
"Apple probably figured out that dragging people into court usually does little for one's popularity."
Pre-teen girl: Lyke OMG!!1!11!1!!! did u c how apple dragged all the peeps to court or somethin'?? I totalie wont by a ipOd now!
Ya...I don't think it'll shake down that way....
While Apple is notorious for its secrecy before MacWorlds, Apple probably figured out that dragging people into court usually does little for one's popularity.
They probably caught the employee who was leaking.
I stand by the theory that it is a bad idea to start suing your best free advertiser! I really dont care how much "hey look whats coming" data is released early, the worst it can do is raise interest in the product! I understand you may say that it lets competitors into the game a little early, but honestly, who other than apple fanatics gives a crap about what they are making? I know people copy them, but again, still not direct competition. Suing a HUGE apple fan site is the worst way to get good publicity.
I'm glad Steve Jobs made this decision. He continues to lead the company in the right direction and bringing us, the loyal Apple fans, the most advanced computers of today.
You work for Apple's PR department, don't you.
The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
No, it can unreasonably raise expectations to the point that reality becomes underwhelming.
I think it's because all Mac users are artists, and artists are all very emotional and tend to be poor with numbers. So even though they're spending more, they don't even realize it. Silly artists!
What I don't understand is why the universities and government agencies that are using Macs for clustering and other uses are buying computers that are twice as expensive and half as capable. It must be that these purchasers are part of the loyal "Apple fan base," sort of like Milwaukee Brewers fans. They hang tough and spend the money only because they feel a special attachment to Apple, rather than because Apple products have any real worth.
You're right about Apple dumping on their customers and fans too. Did you hear about the time Steve Jobs cancelled the second day of his concert in Boston, and nobody who bought tickets even got a refund? What an arrogant bastard!
Personally I'll stick with the alternatives. IE 6 kicks ass, my Windows XP system never gives me any security problems, and I like buying new hardware every two years, because it guarantees I'll be able to brag about the CPU speed of my computer to my buddies.
Read the EFF's Fair Use FAQ
Please keep in mind that the entire linked article is based on spin from a policy analyst for the EFF. Also contrary to what was reported in MacWorld and in the documents filed by the EFF, no email has been turned over to Apple.
To purchase it is not like spending money but rather it is an investment in the future in a blow against the empire