Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
I agree with the assessment that Jobs is simply talking out of his hat, or specifically taking potshots at Amazon, without thinking through what he's said. In fact, I wonder if we've spent too much time here discussing it! I think it was just a dumb offhand remark, not worthy of losing sleep over.
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Actually, I feel Jobs knew exactly what he was saying. Remember is is a penny pincher. Any money people spend on an entertainment device Apple does not make seems to bug the sheet outta him.
He knows that his zealots will go along with anything he says. If he says they are not reading, guess what, I am willing to bet money a majority of those zealots will suddenly become completely dismissive of, ewwwwwww, reading a book!!????
I would not take the comment lightly. Even if he is making a truthful observation, it is not without significant influence. I am just suspicious enough of Jobs to think that he is indeed trying to do an end-around on Sony & Amazon over electronic entertainment dollars.
Jobs KNOWS these devices are just now slipping into mainstream consciousness and better now to blow them off publicly and stave off some competition a while longer. He is not only telling his minions nobody reads anymore but making it seem normal that one cannot use an Apple device to read books....yet.
Basically my instincts tell me it was very calculated...or maybe I am giving him too much credit...but Apple's cash cow is iTunes and they are simply not positioned, yet, to sell eBooks. Potentially, money lost to eBooks is money lost to iTunes.
I just do not trust this guy who, with relative ease, can manipulate the zealots who worship at the Apple alter without asking why.