iPad Oprah Gives O Magazine Staff $10K and a Kindle!

[kjk]

Just kidding, she gave out iPads.

http://adage.com/adages/post?article_id=144482

Oprah Winfrey dropped by Hearst headquarters on Tuesday to mark the 10th anniversary of O, The Oprah Magazine, which emerged from a famously difficult launch process to become a powerhouse title.

And she gave every staffer an Apple iPad, a leather iPad case with the staffer's initials, and a check for $10,000, regardless of how long the staffer had worked there.

A Hearst spokeswoman confirmed the visit and gifts. "These were personal gifts to the staff from Oprah to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the magazine," the spokeswoman said.

Ouch:

In 2004 Ms. Winfrey gave each member of her show's studio audience a Pontiac G6. General Motors, which provided the cars for the publicity, later discontinued the Pontiac brand.

Hope it's not like the Sports Illustrated/Madden Football curses

[Bremen Cole]

Nice.... Since I don't watch TV I barely know who she is...... I know to many people this is important......

[SamuraiXSendai]

Please tell me how Oprah can buy multiple Ipads when Apple forbids "ordinary people" from buying more than two. Nevermind, I know.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by SamuraiXSendai

Please tell me how Oprah can buy multiple Ipads when Apple forbids "ordinary people" from buying more than two.

They would have been bought through her company, not by her personally. There is nothing preventing a company from buying 1000 iPads.

[JimKal]

What a wonderful gesture. A way to say thanks, encourage loyalty, and promote reading at the same time.

[HarryT]

More of a lovely gesture had it not been splashed all over the press as "publicity".

[BenLee]

At this point, its almost impossible for Oprah to do anything without it being splashed all over the media. I'm just glad she did *something* kind for her staff. It's so easy to forget the little things when you're at the top, like giving away $10,000.

[JimKal]

Originally Posted by HarryT

More of a lovely gesture had it not been splashed all over the press as "publicity".

It wasn't that big a splash. The only place I read it was here. I'll bet the recipients liked it quite a bit. After all, who wouldn't like someone to give them $10K and an iPad?

[tyche]

When she gave away those "free" cars, people had to pay taxes on them - as much as $7k. Still, a good deal for a $28k car but not everyone could afford it.

At least this time, with $10k cash, the IRS can just hold out their hand for their substantial cut.

[Spectrum]

The scrooge David Letterman should learn something from this lady.

[JSWolf]

And Apple gives corporate discounts as well. For example, a company can buy iPad 3G models at the cost of the same model sans 3G.

[scottjl]

don't know where you're getting your numbers from, but apple's corporate discounts are not that large. i have a top-tier corp discount with apple and 1. there is no discount available yet on the ipad, it's still too new (a device has to be available for a while before the discount kicks in) and 2. the discount amounts to usually 10% on the total price (varies, some devices have been as high as 15% during special sales). at most you're saving tax and a few extra bucks.

[m-reader]

Originally Posted by HarryT

More of a lovely gesture had it not been splashed all over the press as "publicity".

Like Oprah needs more publicity!
That's her thing - she gives stuff to people. Many other celebs do to, and good one them for it! Wasn't it Dave Chappelle who paid off people's mortgage who were at risk of loosing their home the other week? For publicity? Who cares, at least they are doing something good in this world.
Less cynicism is some times a good thing!