Apple Boneheads!! or Zune your way to the Top!!

Some things you read and just can't believe. I came across this story of the little girl who wrote Steve Jobs a letter suggesting some imrpovements to the iPod, which she loved. The letter she got back was... well, let's say it left me speechless.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsID=14386

Here's some nice user feedback on the topic too:
http://www.overlawyered.com/2006/04/letter_from_apple_lawyers_make.html

Now, I know I'm a little behind in the times here, but leave it to me to keep something like this alive.

What really gets me is that these guys have to be told not to talk to kids like that. I thought Apple was supposed to be the user-friendly company that loves all animals and kids alike. Why didn't they just send the lawyers there to threaten her in person?

Seriously... does it take so much extra energy to write someone a nice letter instead of something like that? Every software company in the world runs off of user requests. What makes Apple so important? You mean to tell me that if Apple's users were all insisting on a new feature in the iPod or the Mac that they wouldn't implement it just because they don't take suggestions? Whatever.

Personally, it disgusts me that Apple is so caustic to little kids and that they have to "revise their policies" when dealing with them. I just have no words.

So Steve Jobs... this is directly from me to you:
Do what Microsoft did whey they needed to teach all their employees about security. Stop all production right now, and take 3 weeks to put all of your employees through some kind of course that teaches them basic human kindness.

So everybody, let's all buy Zunes instead!!
And Microsoft... feel free to send me a Zune for the endorsement.

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Posted by Sean McCown on October 30, 2007 02:56 PM

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COMMENTS

Can I get an amen from the chior?

AMEN!

Posted by: zunescene at October 30, 2007 03:45 PM

You do realize Apple does that for a legal reason right? In fact Microsoft does it too - as do pretty much all businesses that are concerned about litigation.

Maybe you should post the follow up where Apple contacts her personally and drafted new letters to send out to children? No that wouldn't make sense now would it - how could you demonize Apple then...

Posted by: Jeff at October 30, 2007 05:34 PM

How is Apple to know that the writer was actually a little kid?

Posted by: Gary at October 30, 2007 06:16 PM

Thanks

Posted by: Patrick Williford at October 31, 2007 01:43 AM

I have already ordered 3 of the new Zune's
Apple is plaid -out...

Posted by: Kellie B. at October 31, 2007 07:50 AM

I can relate to both sides of this issue, but in the end Apple did the right thing. The truth is that Apple gets pop-shots from every direction because they have such superior technology and unfortunately the only way Zune and Microsoft will ever catch-up is through the help of this kind of negative publicity. Does Microsoft have a PR slush fund devoted entirely to negative PR tactics? Probably. Especially considering there's not much innovation they can talk about these days! Whether this is true or not it's definitely not gonna make me rush out and buy a Zune.

Posted by: Benjamin Wheeler at October 31, 2007 09:26 AM

So the letter said that they don't accept unsolicited ideas? And? I guess I didn't see the tone of the letter, but it sounds like a pretty standard form that they would have sent out so that they don't get flooded with letters on every issue people have. Most companies you mail send you a standard form in return. That's nothing new or shocking.

Posted by: Stu at October 31, 2007 09:46 AM

In contrast, on Microsoft's Zune Insider blog, the company actively solicits suggestions on how to improve their products. The company is also willing to accept harsh criticism, without deleting it from their blog.

Posted by: JohnJ at November 1, 2007 10:00 AM

Apple Boneheads!! or Zune your way to the Top!!

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