You have to figure that major news outlets keep obituaries on hand for all kinds of public figures and celebrities -- still, you can't help feeling a bit of a chill upon learning that notice of Steve Jobs' death mistakingly hit the wires yesterday afternoon. A slip-up at news outlet Bloomberg caused the lengthy obituary to roll across a number of screens before being pulled -- but not before a Gawker tipster was able to send off a copy to the gossip site. Under normal circumstances, this would probably come off as a random gaffe with minimal impact, but given recent reactions / over reactions concerning Jobs' health (thanks in no small part to his appearance at
WWDC, pictured above), this comes off as a rotten-timed moment in journalistic and technical butterfingerism. We can only hope this didn't send too many investors into a tailspin -- we'd hate to see any
War of the Worlds moments caused by something so silly.
[Via
CNET]
posted Aug 28th 2008 11:18AM
In other "tech" news, MS released IE 8 Beta2 last night. www.microsoft.com/ie8
and Photosynth last week www.pohotsynth.net
Reporting real tech news? How dare you!
I hate you for giving the human race a bad name. Not because I'm a fanboy of Apple. But because you are an idiot.
Well, at least he included some typos. its www.photosynth.net
I'm amazed that this hasn't been picked up by sites like Engadget. Or perhaps it has and Steve asked them not to mention it until he'd cleared up this whole death thing.
@OneLove
I had to stay true to Engadget's editorial standards!
Using sarcasm to pretend you didn't make a mistake is not something you should do.
IE is "tech?"
N00b.
May he rest in iPEACE!!!!!
is cure for pancreatic cancer also locked up ?!!!
stupid business model !
is cure for pancreatic cancer also locked up ?
stupid business model !
@Quix
I suppose Windows isn't "tech" in your mind either...
However, whether or not Orange hired people to stand in a freakin' line is DEFINITELY tech and we should read 15 articles about it.
thanks for the info, Ike.
it seems when it comes to Apple we get three articles for every nightly build of the iPhone firmware, but things like what you mentioned get passed over by Engadget.
I actually understand why there are so many iPhone stories. A lot of people own the iPhone, you want to reach your largest audience. What I don't understand is why there aren't as many Microsoft stories when Microsoft rules 90%+ of the worldwide OS market. ...especially since MS actually produces more newsworthy stories, not just tabloid headlines.
Bloomie, you're doin' a heckofuh job!
especially since MS actually produces more newsworthy stories...
...like a second beta release of an add-on piece of software?
@Jason: I didn't say that IE8 beta 2 was newsworthy. You are aware that Microsoft does more than try and market an OS, right? Such as... National Geographic using MS Photosynth to give the world a glimpse at extreme regions of the earth. XBox registering voters to well umm...actually vote in the national election. Microsoft's Worldwide Telescope project. Bill G's philantropy being the biggest humanitarian effort ever. I don't know about you but, I think those are a little more newsworthy that, "Stevie J takes a crap".
I think those are a little more newsworthy that, "Stevie J takes a crap".
PinkFloyd (by the way I love your work), I think that would be a pretty big headline. You ARE aware that he's pretty uptight?
On the plus side, when the Queen dies, we (UK) get three days of BBC clips, analysis and national mourning. At least Jobs only gets a page or two of slobber on the net, and most importantly, an Engadget slot.
steve jobs has a long road ahead of him - he is a millionaire who hasn't done enough to help those in need.
Perhaps he can take an example from my hero Bill Gates.
My hero is Vernon Rudolph.
"was able to send off a copy to the gossip site"
Why would Steve Jobs be gossip?
Very surprised Wall Street didn't go bonkers over this gaffe -- Apple stock barely blipped down a dollar this AM before recovering on an up note.
http://finance.yahoo.com/echarts?s=AAPL#chart1:symbol=aapl;range=1d;indicator=volume;charttype=line;crosshair=on;ohlcvalues=0;logscale=on;source=undefined
BTW, it's Bloomberg that took it on the chin from Gawker for the mis-post.
No surprise really. If you plotted the deaths of fortune 500 CEOs on a stock chart, they wouldn't even stand out. Kennedy's assassination wasn't even a blip.
@Tony C: Major investing firm would wait to confirm this rumor before they did anything stupid. I'm sure they have better sources than a Gawker website. Considering that Apple's volume today was at 15 million shares, it'd probably take at least a few hundred thousand shares sold at once to even make a small dent in the price. That'd make it a close to $20 million transaction. For that amount, I'd hope someone would check the county coroner's office.
@Jason: Jobs' health has actually been a small issue with investors. He's been such a large influence in Apple's success that the future of the company would be in doubt if he suddenly left. No other company relies on the CEO as much as Apple does.
He definitely didn't send any copies from his iPhone.
Even when investors feel it's an issue, it seldom rocks the market for the stock itself. It's just historical fact.
@Jason: You're 100% right. It is a historical fact. I think in Apple's case that it would though... Online investing wasn't a factor in yesterday's market. Plus, I think that the only other CEO to come close to Jobs would be Walt Disney in terms of marketing and representation of a company.
"Here lies Walt Disney...almost a Steve Jobs."
Look man have fun beating a dead horse and kissing an undead arse, but when you're done follow the link the guy gave, look at the chart, and you'll see that the big dip in numbers came after everyone realized he was still alive.
Cheers.
I know that this story had no impact on Apple's value today. I mentioned that in a post below... I didn't feel the need to reiterate it here because he admitted that it didn't affect the price, he just didn't know why (unlike the post below where the guy claimed to have lost thousands because of this).
I've been investing for a living for a while now. I watched Apple since around 2003 when Jobs took the stock price from around $7/share to a peak in the $200s just a few months ago (don't forget to include splits). I remember around 2 years ago when Jobs would hold a conference. ...the stock would shoot up 7-15% for 2-3 days afterwards. Since Jobs is just as integral to Apple's success as say umm...the iPod, if he were to really pass you'd see some institutional investors jump ship quickly. By the way, when Jobs' health concerns were last highlighted (due to his appearance), the value did drop. Analysts reported on it heavily. Apple made a point to issue a release that it was only a bug and not cancer coming back.
PF, I think we can simplify what doesn't really need to be an argument here. The anticipated loss from his death would be mitigated by the required life insurance, whereas the dip in health would not, could raise cost of employee health bennies, as well as impacting morale, sales, and productivity.
So, yes, I agree Jobs is super-important to Apple. I really only meant what I said before: I simply wasn't surprised.
You have a seriously skewed view of Apple's importance in the world at large. "War of the Worlds moments" ????? You fcuking kidding me?
I'm pretty sure that's just a reference to Apple's unwavering legion of fanboys, not regular old Dick and Jane, throwing themselves off of bridges.
iCoffin
That's not even funny. Man, he sure looks shriveled up, like my grandpa. (he gonna need his Jesus phone now)
That IS even funny.
We all know what his last words are gonna be:
"Just one more thing...... BRAINS!"
@NHAnimator
didn't you mean iS?
iBrains?
its the Cough that carries you off... not the iCoffin they carry you off in
"thats not even funny."
Is it odd funny? regardless is was creative.
i'm surprised nobody has made jokes about job's death in relation to the lack of replaceable batteries in iPods et al.
noooo jobsy!! he WAS looking mighty gaunt and pale for the developers conference....
don't worry he has already been replaced by an actor!
maybe Jonathan Pryce will land the role?
:)
You would think engadget is owned by jobs
It is pwned by Jobs.
Dang , I thought that the apple rein was over. He does look a bit peckish in that picture, real skinny for a guy of his money and resources. Real skinny and I'm thin myself( but not sick). Doesn't Old Stevie have something real bad wrong with him?
You'd think people actually paid attention rather than repeat the same old nonsense over and over again.
Here's the facts.
Jobs had some surgery that dealt with a problem where his food digestion wasn't quite working right and caused the weight loss. There was not a return of his pancreatic cancer to date. He's in good health overall.
Apple rein? But... wouldn't the horses eat them? I hear they find apples quite tasty. I would think you'd want to stick with the tried and true leather-and-steel reins.
Oh, you meant *reign*
nvm
@Eric,
thanks for mentioning that. i was wondering why steve looked soo skinny.
I still wouldnt be surprise if the rumours of his iCancer were true
:(
it's a comspricasy
Jobs is definitery a compricator...
Haha, not good.
I hate apple but I like the guy!
I hate the guy but I like Apple!
I have to admit i like both.
Hear hear, lolec!
I have to admit, I hate BOTH.
I "Hate" my Yellow Teeth
sorry if this posts twice. I never got confirm on the first one and find it a little suspect...
--------------------------------------
So while major news outlets and tech blogs are reporting on the critical iPhone flaw that gives access to user data in 3 easy steps -- even on locked iPhones -- Engadget is making the editorial choice to report on the more important, and more Apple-friendly gossip.
(This is the part where I say, again, "Thank you Gizmodo for ACTUALLY DOING YOUR JOB!!")
Idiot:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/27/iphone-security-flaw-bypasses-passcode-lock/
You're right...I'm an idiot.
I just figured when you post every little thing about a product, and justify the lovefest by saying that it's "the biggest consumer tech product of all time," then you might what to point out on your main site when that product produces an epic fail!
Idiotic me thought that news might be big enough for engadget.com, you know the same place where they post 40 iPhone stories a day.
I'm such a dummy, what was I thinking?!?!?
Who reads engadgetmobile? Why are non-iPhone mobile stories always posted there? Why are bad iPhone stories posted there? Why are bad non-iPhone stories posted here on engadget?
Lots and lots of people read Engadget Mobile, that's why it exists, and that's why we report on cellphones there -- every single cellphone post that goes up on Classic is crossposted to Mobile. As for "40 iPhone stories a day," well, go and count, and report back what you find.
Paying the slightest bit of attention is an excellent way to make substantiated claims.
God help us all if someone gets their hands on my iPhone and gets unauthorized access to my iPod playlists.
Last three pages of Engadget
Aplle posts= 4 posts
TV tech= 12 posts
I do not hear anyone upset over too many postings about LCD tv and the like!!!!
Nilay...meet sarcasm, sarcasm say hi to Nilay.
You're right, it's not 40 posts and I apologize for using such an outlandishly outrageous number.
Can you give your readers a succinct reason why all the following are relevant to the site (wicker, read this too and learn to count) but major news about a major iPhone security flaw (one that's atop the NYTimes and Washington Post websites) is some how not newsworthy?
Philips iPod soundbar (today)
Jobs health (today)
Polish iPhone fakers (today)
iPhone vs. Sony XV1 (today)
Brando iPhone battery (today)
UK iPhone ad (yesterday)
DLO iPod/iPhone dock (yesterday)
iLuv iPod/iPhone dock (yesterday)
I know it's a small percentage of all the other news on this site (both because IFA is starting, and also because you guys do a good job of covering lots of stuff). I'm simply wondering why you don't have this HUGE bit of news on your main site...is iPhone users meant to believe that the iLuv iPhone Dock is more important than a critical security flaw? If EngadgetMobile exists for just this reason, but post anything on the main site at all about iPhone. If iPhone is legit topic for iPhone news, why not post the biggest iPhone news of the day, week or even month? The editorial decision-making is suspect and if you don't see that, Nilay, well then I don't know how else to put it.
I think all these posts should be on the site...Engadget is indeed correct that since it's the best selling portable electronics device ever, all the accessories news, company news and other news is relevant. The blatant lack of what is really, really big news makes it seem like you purposely are not posting it...
Can you give your readers a succinct reason why all the following are relevant to the site...?
I can! I can! I can!
Because it's THEIR damn webpage. Getcha own, muthatrucka! Blogger, Wordpress, A-O-L (if you's a grandma or just don't like good comment widgets), whatever you like. Now GTFO and havuhnazdai! :)
Sure, Nate, I can. Almost all of those other posts are new products from IFA, and they're way more important than the shocking bit of news that an attacker with physical access to your device can get to your data.
But again, you see what you want to see -- following the comments on this post, we made the decision to start covering this on Classic, and people are now complaining that it only belongs on Mobile. In the end, we do our best to keep our coverage balanced, and it's up to you to decide how well we're doing.
@Nilay -- I love the glib response...Josh is really delegating over there.
To be clear, nowhere on the just-recently-posted article on the main Engadget site is anyone asking (calling or demading) that it only should've run on the Mobile site. So now, not only is your reasoning for not running it on the main site suspect, but your defense with half-truths and sarcasm is a little thinner too...Cheers!
"nowhere on the just-recently-posted article on the main Engadget site is anyone asking (calling or demading) that it only should've run on the Mobile site. So now, not only is your reasoning for not running it on the main site suspect, but your defense with half-truths and sarcasm is a little thinner too"
You would prefer a fallacious (flatius?) argument from silence?
How Twain-sian.
Don't ever use that word again.
....uFail.
iNeverwentanywhere
d=_=b
ha
ha
ha
That's me, laughing.
Well as a person who has recently added a mac to his multiple setups at home I must say this is good news. Stevie still has alot to do to get the OSX into it's marketed state of usablility.
@unixsystemadmin
Hi stalker
... because it's so unusable right now?
LOL?
Yeap. If it were true they might be able to spend a little time on Leopard's stability (and I could go two hours without an application crash).
I for one welcome my undead iPod yielding overlord!!
Wielding
1. To govern; to rule; to keep, or have in charge; also, to possess. [Obs.]
2. To direct or regulate by influence or authority; to manage; to control; to sway.
3. To use with full command or power, as a thing not too heavy for the holder; to manage; to handle; hence, to use or employ; as, to wield a sword; to wield the scepter.
yield·ing [yeel-ding]
–adjective
1. inclined to give in; submissive; compliant: a timid, yielding man.
2. tending to give way, esp. under pressure; flexible; supple; pliable: a yielding mattress.
3. (of a crop, soil, etc.) producing a yield; productive.
Anal
1. of, pertaining to, involving, or near the anus.
2. Psychoanalysis.
a. of or pertaining to the second stage of psychosexual development, during which gratification is derived from the retention or expulsion of feces.
b. of or pertaining to an anal character.
c. of or pertaining to gratification derived from stimulation of the anus.
------------------------------------------------
Pick which one you think applies.
Point taken, but what the hell is an "anal character?"
Omg I can't stop laughing right now
Absinthe, I can't really say. It's just something about you.
"during which gratification is derived from the retention or expulsion of feces."
Oh how I love Freud. I do believe it, but still...
His death was "greatly exaggerated"? As opposed to... partially exaggerated? What is he, mostly dead? Partially dead? :)
D
Apparently you don't understand the reference.
Which of you troglodytes high ranked Dimitri's post? You all apparently failed to get the reference. It's a very famous quote from Mark Twain. "Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated."
If you didn't get that, go back to school and stay there till you get smarter.
I believe the term is "I'm not dead yet"
@Lazerface
Assuming you have watched the play...
"I'm not dead yet, I can dance and I can sing."
Call Billy Crystal if you're only mostly dead. He'll take care of ya.
"I'm not quite dead yet."
"Oh yes you are. Now shut up!"
"I actually feel quite better!"
"Listen, can you just go around the block and come back, I'm sure he'll be dead by then."
the world still needs you steve!
...to lower the price of the iphone for frickin' real this time!!
I sent this to Engadget yesterday. Apparently this isn't newsworthy enough.
http://gizmodo.com/5042332/huge-iphone-security-flaw-puts-all-private-information-at-risk
As previously stated: http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/27/iphone-security-flaw-bypasses-passcode-lock/