Opinion piece

[G+_George Kozi]

Opinion piece.

 

Originally shared by George Kozi

 

Spawned In The Gutter

 

If one is convinced, truly convinced of his own greatness, there are rules of behaviour to be observed. The best product in the world does not need cheerleaders and marching bands, because its greatness should be self evident.

 

Long ago, the rules of decency demanded that the victor be generous in victory. That doesn't seem to be the case when you listen to Tim Cook. Although "victory" is an obvious exaggeration, the CEO of the company that like to claim the top spot in the tech world, should be convinced of it.

 

Some may like the mud slinging, and even consider it good humored banter. I don't. The "toxic hellstew" remarks were unnecessary. The only way the head of Apple needed to say that, is if deep down inside he feels some sort of insecurity about Android. You don't point at something and yell "that is the devil" unless you are kinda sorta threatened by it.

 

I didn't like the "scroogled" campaign, and I don't like this "toxic hellstew" thing. They are both spawned in the gutter. I know you are thinking it, so... before you say it, I'm gonna reply to it: if and when Google does the same kind of mudslinging, I won't like that either.

[G+_Damian Mongru]

I think I agree with you George Kozi  . I don't mind companies mentioning other brands. Although, just to be clear, in the UK we haven't had 'comparative advertising' where you can mention other brands until fairly recently so it still seems odd to me when competitors are ever mentioned. For the first time,  the tone of the comparisons in the keynote seemed a bit off the mark, and very transparent, and in some cases hypocritical.

 

A few examples:

The comparisons between Mavericks updates and Windows 8 updates. Using percentages when it suits them or forgetting to mention Win8 was a paid update.

There was a comment on buying 'Android by mistake'

Highlighting how many people use an old version of Android - but look at our new features...errr...new keyboards, 'Hey Siri' etc

 

I guess, when Apple are the plucky underdog, they can get away with this, but as this behemoth it comes across a little barbed.

 

Also related to the keynote - why did they love the transparency so much?

This is why I hate marketing. It's not enough to have a great product.

[G+_Chris Sumner]

I agree, especially when your company hasn't been on the cutting edge for quite a while and many of the items you're bringing to market are seen, by some, as playing catch up. Your product will speak for itself and the mudslinging will have no effect other than to alienate people. Also I think the "free" OS update is lost on most when you consider the price of your product puts it out of reach for the average person who uses their computer to check email and go online. Of course, I doubt that’s the audience Tim Cook is speaking to and his base will eat this kind of thing up.