The Macalope’s not sure what Joe Wilcox’s particular problem is—either he’s trolling for hits, emotionally and mentally maladroit, just plain stupid, or some combination of the three.
What the Macalope does know is that if we assume Wilcox means what he writes, his instincts are almost always wrong. In fact, he’s been proven wrong so many times it’s almost record-setting. He also has a particularly weird fetish for manly man posturing.
Now Joe presumes to lecture Apple on what is and isn’t respectful of Steve Jobs’s passing.
Again, as on Saturday, no links—this garbage doesn’t deserve it. But the Macalope will pull some quotes, because this has to be read to believed.
Yesterday, after having raised anticipation with event invite, video and other teasers, Google and Samsung delayed the presumed launch of Android 4.0 (aka Ice Cream Sandwich) and Nexus Prime (or whatever the smartphone is called). … Reason for cancelling the October 11 event: “We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs’s passing”. So what? Google and Samsung show respect for Jobs, but Apple doesn’t?
Joe, since you apparently have no idea how to pay respect to someone, let the Macalope give you a clue: The way you pay your respect is to ask yourself what that person would have wanted and do that. Would Steve have wanted the iPhone 4S to be delayed? Not a chance.
Apple, Google, and Samsung are all doing what Steve would have wanted and what’s right for their business. Of course Jobs wouldn’t have wanted the launch of the iPhone 4S delayed. Google and Samsung, meanwhile, don’t want to be in the position of having their critical comparisons of the Nexus Prime to the iPhone seem disrespectful. That you can’t see this is astounding. And, really, completely in line with your history.
News of Jobs death came late-day on October 5. My colleagues and I couldn’t really discuss it until the following day. When everyone was online in group chat I chimed: “Now comes the test of the new management’s character. I would delay iPhone 4S launch a week out of respect.”
Did everyone else on the chat laugh because they assumed you were joking, or is this a chapter of Clueless Trolls Anonymous?
Google has not announced a ship date for the Nexus Prime. What they delayed was the announcement—the kind of event Apple had for the iPhone 4S the day before Jobs died. So, in addition to being offensive, this piece also doesn’t even make sense, which is Joe’s signature “double threat.”
Google and Samsung show respect for Jobs’ passing in ways the Apple hasn’t—and should have. The new management has failed the test of character I put before my colleagues two days ago.
Joe Wilcox is the last person who should be lecturing people on character. The man who challenged an ailing Steve Jobs to return to work full time two years ago would best be served by keeping his pathetic wronghole shut about anything related to his death.
[Editors’ Note: In addition to being a mythical beast, the Macalope is not an employee of Macworld. As a result, the Macalope is always free to criticize any media organization. Even ours.]