Shlemiel of the Week: John Gruber
Not only does this guy have the chutzpah to steal what is clearly my original design for this web site, he doesn’t even bother to change my last name much: “Gruberwitz” to “Gruber” — this is the gentilization of the web folks, and it’s ugly. (Like, literally ugly. Mr. “Gruber” has ruined the subtle low-contrast feel of my own design and traded what is a meaningful personal symbol in my logo for a meaningless — what is that, a beachball?)
The least he could do is link here, sheesh.
Microsoft’s Internal Plans to Overthrow iPod Division of Apple Still Unsuccessful
Me, three years ago:
What’s sad is that the schmucks in Redmond actually think that this would be an effective marketing strategy for a product whose beauty lies in its simplicity. Microsoft’s attempts to steal the “iPod” moniker from Apple Legal are as ill-conceived as their planned packaging.
In retrospect, I was right: Microsoft still has not successfully challenged Apple’s trademark on “iPod,” and the packaging in this internal video still looks farkakt.
In Which I Dissect the Rumors Regarding Apple’s Supposed Leak of Information Pertaining to Their Upcoming Products Following Negotiations with Verizon and AT&T, Which Negotiations Apple has Been Having in the Absence of Steve Jobs
Last week I linked to an article speculating the imminent release of a new and smaller iPhone:
TechCrunch is reporting that Apple and Verizon are in negotiations regarding an agreement which would allow Verizon to become a carrier for a new iPhone-like device. Suffice it to say that TechCrunch is not worth quoting directly, as their writing is typically short of inept; however, I can tell you that based on sources close to myself and to Apple’s operations say that this article is utter bullshit.
Let me be clear as to what I meant by the aforestatement. It is obvious to anyone who gives a damn that Apple and Verizon have indeed been in secretive talks regarding a possible forthcoming product launch, with the possibility of partnering on said product. This is not a matter of dispute.
I meant rather that TechCrunch and its apologists are full of shit — and indeed they are. This is neither here nor there. The fact that the editors of TechCrunch see fit to publish relevant and timely fodder for my witty exposés does not exonerate their sloppy writing nor their journalistic malapropriation.
What is under dispute is the reason by which Apple entered into alleged discussions with Verizon regarding the “iPhone ‘Lite.’ ” On this issue I am already on record:
Clearly, Apple is attempting to draw out a superior extended contract from AT&T. Let’s be honest: Apple is holding all the cards on this one. They make a beautiful, easy-to-use, increasingly popular product. AT&T is a brand with an identity crisis, a company with no clear direction, and a network with no clear signal. The best they can hope for now is to ride Apple’s coattails to success; only Apple can save AT&T from itself.
Clearly, I was as correct then as I am now.