Apple Censors 'Ulysses' Webcomic, Fails to See Irony of Situation

[m-reader]

Amazing stuff:

The company has already run into controversy for their "freedom from porn" philosophy, forcing European magazines to cover up scantily clad models. But now Apple's edict has reached new levels of irony, thanks to its demands on a webcomic version of James Joyce's classic novel Ulysses.

If somebody told me 5-10 years ago Apple would be doing this, I'd laugh in their face and call them a liar!

As you can see from my signature, I am currently in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.
Apple iPad, it seems, will be becoming a tablet of choice for the Saudi CoPVaPoV (that's the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, a.k.a. Haia in local slang - or as we like to call them The God Squad).
I think Job Steve'o can expect a honourary membership invitation in the mail! He earned it.

[Moejoe]

Apple...

Tainted by the blood of suicidal Chinese wage slaves, censored so you don't have to think for yourself and overpriced. What more could you ask for?

[Kali Yuga]

H'm, maybe now the idea of banning Flash makes a bit of sense. That is, until the pr0n sites start using HTML5.

This doesn't surprise me too much, though. One of the reasons why I was never über fond of the iPhone platform was that it's too much of a "nanny" device.

[Worldwalker]

That's what Apple is all about, and it's what Apple has been all about since the first Macintosh. Hush, little one, don't worry your little head about anything; Apple knows what's best for you.

[Shaggy]

Originally Posted by Worldwalker

That's what Apple is all about, and it's what Apple has been all about since the first Macintosh. Hush, little one, don't worry your little head about anything; Apple knows what's best for you.

Unfortunately, there are lots of people out there that eat that stuff up. Some prefer that other's do their thinking for them.

[afa]

Originally Posted by m-reader

If somebody told me 5-10 years ago Apple would be doing this, I'd laugh in their face and call them a liar!

That's the problem with Apple fans. Even now, far too many people hold the attitude that Microsoft is evil, but Apple is your friend. Sorry, but that's bull. Apple is every bit as 'evil' and monopolising as Microsoft ever was. The difference is purely in the fact that Microsoft came under heavy scrutiny (particularly in the EU) because having 90% market share in OS means they had a giant target on their backs.

In the last few years, in particular, I actually feel like Microsoft is the lesser of two evils. Although, I suppose I should give Steve Jobs credit for having the guts to screw us right to our faces, rather than behind the back. So, um, kudos for that. By the way, in the awesome irony that is life, I'm currently writing this on my gorgeous 20" iMac...

(that's the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, a.k.a. Haia in local slang - or as we like to call them The God Squad).
I think Job Steve'o can expect a honourary membership invitation in the mail! He earned it.

I was aware of Haia, but had no idea about the little nickname. God Squad. That's great.

[Maggie Leung]

It's interesting to me (arm-chair psychology fan) that people who dislike Apple often resort to stupid assumptions about people who use Apple devices.

[kjk]

Originally Posted by afa

That's the problem with Apple fans. Even now, far too many people hold the attitude that Microsoft is evil, but Apple is your friend.

Some of us aren't that stupid, and don't see things in such simplistic black and white terms.

[afa]

Well, of course not.

I probably should have clarified that I meant the die hard Apple 'fanboys' you encounter from time to time, the ones who refuse to accept that Apple has any faults.

The majority, I'm sure, are no more (nor less) stupid than anyone else.

[kjk]

Originally Posted by afa

Well, of course not.

I probably should have clarified that I meant the die hard Apple 'fanboys' you encounter from time to time, the ones who refuse to accept that Apple has any faults.

The majority, I'm sure, are no more (nor less) stupid than anyone else.

Here's the thing. How about discussing the devices themselves, rather than insulting those that use them? Isn't that the main mission of Mobileread?

[afa]

SIR, YES SIR!

[gastan]

Originally Posted by kjk

Some of us aren't that stupid, and don't see things in such simplistic black and white terms.
and
Here's the thing. How about discussing the devices themselves, rather than insulting those that use them?

I think you're going pretty far out of your way searching for something to be insulted by.

[mr ploppy]

I wonder what they would make of The Unfunnies or Lost Girls.

[m-reader]

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

It's interesting to me (arm-chair psychology fan) that people who dislike Apple often resort to stupid assumptions about people who use Apple devices.

I think there's a misconception here about people liking/disliking Apple. It's not as black and white really. I, for example, am quite fond of Apple gear. My only and crucial problem with them is that they are controlling a bit too much and they are getting greedy beyond what's healthy for consumers.
Two points I would like to make about what's wrong with Apple today:
1. Controlling and censoring app market with a 100% power to decide what's good for us. I am sure they have the best of intentions, but for crying out loud people, have we not learned anything from our history? Censorship leads to totalitarianism - and that can't be good for us!
2. Purposefully designing a product in such way as to make a killing on selling accessories (no USB?).

Anything that Apple does in terms of its appealing hardware and product packaging is for me not sufficient to let the first point there slip by. The accessories business is simply mean (bend over customers!), but that's not as bad.
Are people who do buy into Apple's philosophy stupid? No, of course not!
Are people right to be concerned by what Apple is doing and voice their concerns? Of course they are!

[m-reader]

Originally Posted by afa

I was aware of Haia, but had no idea about the little nickname. God Squad. That's great.

They have been loosing their mojo lately. Lots of bad press - I can't imagine why .