Toronto Star iPod / Apple article - My Letter to author and Editor - And replies

ehMax · Dec 6th, 2005, 06:53 PM

The other day, I read an article in the Toronto Star entitled, Hutsul: iPod has fallen far from the Apple tree
Read here

I haven't replied to an article in a long time, but this one kind of got under my skin, so I sent the following email to both the author and the Toronto Star editor. Here's my email, and their replies:

	Quote:
	Subject: Huge inaccuracies in article, "Hutsul: iPod has fallen far from the Apple tree" Yes, I'm sure you're getting lots of emails from people who use Apple computers. I'm sure some intelligent responses, and lots not so intelligent email flames. But please don't dismiss this letter as coming from an "Apple cult member, or self important wannabe." I love Apple products, and have been involved in many aspects of the Mac platform for many years. I run one of the biggest Mac based web sites in Canada geared to Canadian Mac users called ehMac.ca: Canada's Mac Community. http://www.ehmac.ca/ Separately, I also work for one of the largest Apple Reseller in Canada. And while I love Apple products, I'm also not an Apple apologist. Truly, Apple on many occasions does things that makes me and many other Mac users scratch our heads in bewilderment. I have absolutely no problem, and I'm quite happy actually, when a journalist will write a story that will take Apple to task on a blunder. Having said that, you're story "iPod has fallen far from the Apple tree" leaves me scratching my head, because of several inaccuracies. "Apple-bashing seems to be at a fever pitch lately." Huh? As someone who avidly follows all Mac related press articles, I have to totally disagree with this as simply not being the case. I'd say in the last decade, there has never been a time when Apple has gotten as good of press as they have lately. In meeting thousands of potential new Mac customers a week, there is actually a definite change in the openness and receptiveness to the Mac platform. On huge sites like slashdot.org, where any Mac related article used to turn into a giant, "Macs sux" thread, you'll find a much more friendlier viewpoint to the Mac. "First, the iPod itself, despite its success, presents problems. Today, the company's success is based not on computer sales, but on MP3 players." Simply incorrect. True, though the iPod is a huge, HUGE success for Apple, its not the only reason for their success. This past quarter, Apple shipped 1,236,000 Macs, representing a 48% growth over the previous year's quarter. Source: http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/oct/11results.html "The most recent version, equipped to manage podcasts and the iTunes music store, is a dud." Really? One iTunes Music Store button made permanent, and now its a dud? Other's would disagree like C'Net (Editor's Choice Award), and PlayList Magazine (4 out of 5 stars). "Another sign that the company is scrambling is the recent release of the lacklustre Motorola ROKR MP3 phone. " How in the world, is this a sign of Apple scrambling? The ROKR is a product, DESIGNED, PRODUCED, AND MARKETED BY MOTOROLA. I don't even know what the first sign was that Apple is scrambling. The only thing I think their scrambling with at the moment, is keeping up with demand for the iPod. Kind of a strange article. [ehMax]

Here are the replies:

	Quote:
	Hi [ehMax], The Letters editor forwarded your email to this office. Sneakernet is written as a column which has a different tone than a regular news article. As a columnist, Christopher Hutsul is given greater leeway to express his personal opinion and personal interpretation of developments and events, so it's understandable that he may express views not shared by all readers. Today we pubished a correction on page C2 regarding his description of the iTunes music store. Thank you for taking the time to write to us. Sincerely, Deborah Jessop Public Editor's Office Toronto Star One Yonge St. Toronto ON Canada M5E 1E6

And reply from the author:

	Quote:
	Hi [ehMax], Thanks for your note. I appreciate your insights... I have to admit, I was flamed pretty hard yesterday. Actually, you could say I was nuked. I suppose I set myself up for it. I regret, and acknowledge, that there were some misguided arguments in the column. Though I stand by my point, which is that I'd hate to see the company become a mere-gadget maker, I was wrong in not reporting that the company has showed signs of growth in their computer sales department, as you've pointed out. That said, my article seems to have been perceived as more pessimistic than I intended it to be. I'm a huge fan of Apple products. In fact, I own a G4, a G3 iBook and an iPod Shuffle. All three products have been amazing. My frustration is that the company hasn't achieved more than a fringe of the home and office computer market. I think both you and I hope to see that change... Again, thanks for your note. I'm awed and impressed by the passion the Apple community has shown about the company... Though I can't promise to always share your opinions all readers, I hope to regain your trust through accuracy and insight in future articles. From a pile of char and ashes in Toronto, Chris Hutsul

Kudos to the The Star and the author for their replies.

Takes me back to Guy Kawasaki days.

Carex · Dec 6th, 2005, 07:11 PM

	Quote:
	much more friendlier

grammar checker down?

Otherwise, well done. You didn't even have to use profanity!

apple=god · Dec 6th, 2005, 07:23 PM

I think that chris raises some valid arguments, there computers are lacking in something NEW and exciting. I would like to see some thing affordable and breath taking from apple in the next little bit. You are right though, he had some of those figures and arguments completely wrong! iTunes is not flailing, and the ROKR is a crap phone. I would like to take this opourtunity to say: Why did it take so bloody long for aple to produce a DAP with video features, if the ipod linux team could do it 6 months in advance!! why couldn't apple do it with all there immense resources,. It really was disapointing hwo long it took. Also that screen is not fun to watch movies on (--hugs psp--).

andreww · Dec 6th, 2005, 07:53 PM

What a retard. In his apology he says " I was wrong in not reporting that the company has showed signs of growth in their computer sales department". SIGNS OF GROWTH???? In an industry where nearly every other computer manufacturer is in a state of decline, Apple had 26% growth over last year (sorry ehmax, I'm quoting Adam Chritianson's report on the Maccast from a few days ago). As far as a backlash against apple? I haven't heard a bad word about apple in over a year, and I can assure you that previous to that, a week wouldn't pass without someone making an Apple sucks comment.

Bjornbro · Dec 6th, 2005, 08:12 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by apple=god
	...their (edit sp.) computers are lacking in something NEW and exciting.

Give an example from the PC side. Apple has built in iSights with iMac and Front Row.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by apple=god
	I would like to see some thing affordable and breath taking from apple in the next little bit.

Any iMac.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by apple=god
	...the ROKR is a crap phone.

So, take it up with Motorola.

	Quote:			Originally Posted by apple=god
	Why did it take so bloody long for aple to produce a DAP with video features...Also that screen is not fun to watch movies on

The iPod is first and foremost a digital audio device with video capability, not the other way around.

Pelao · Dec 6th, 2005, 09:11 PM

Nice one, Mr Mayor.

Macaholic · Dec 6th, 2005, 10:23 PM

I read this article early this morning off of macsurfer, was about to rev up the fire and brimstone.... and then thought, "Aw, screw it!".

Kudos for picking up the torch, boss.

.tony · Dec 7th, 2005, 07:34 AM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by andreww
	As far as a backlash against apple? I haven't heard a bad word about apple in over a year, and I can assure you that previous to that, a week wouldn't pass without someone making an Apple sucks comment.

I believe he may be referring to the articles every week that pop up that say "SO AND SO goes after Apple stronghold", or "COMPANY NAME comes out with iPod-killer".

I think he uses the word "backlash" incorrectly. Nonetheless, I'm so tired of seeing the above headlines. I wish these reporters would write about a new product's merits, maybe even compare it to the iPod, but let the reader be the judge of whether or not it'll be an "iPod killer". I esp don't like when they talk about an MP3-player - the iPod is more then just a music player but they just don't get that.

The company to knock Apple off its perch (if at all) will be the company that listens to its consumers and produces a product that the masses want, and is easy to use. Everyone is so busy trying to copy the iPod that they forget about the customer base.

Phew, sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.

(And kinda went off topic, sorry)

Macaholic · Dec 7th, 2005, 08:30 AM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by .tony
	I'm so tired of seeing the above headlines. I wish these reporters would write about a new product's merits, maybe even compare it to the iPod, but let the reader be the judge of whether or not it'll be an "iPod killer".

Frankly, it's embarrassing for the competition, for NONE of them have even come close to being able to kill the iPod. In recent weeks, I think that there's been less of such hyperbolic headlines. Maybe the press is starting to clue in?

capitalK · Dec 7th, 2005, 12:36 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by andreww
	What a retard...

I actually know Chris personally (he's a friend of my old roommate) and I can attest that he is not mentally handicapped.

Doesn't mean I agree with what he wrote (I'll tell him to run his next Apple article by me first

) but he's a heckuva guy and I enjoy reading his column.

He's also an EXTREMELY gifted <A HREF="http://www.hutsul.com/Home.php">illustrator</A>.

Dec 6th, 2005, 07:23 PM	#3
apple=god Full Citizen Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 351	I think that chris raises some valid arguments, there computers are lacking in something NEW and exciting. I would like to see some thing affordable and breath taking from apple in the next little bit. You are right though, he had some of those figures and arguments completely wrong! iTunes is not flailing, and the ROKR is a crap phone. I would like to take this opourtunity to say: Why did it take so bloody long for aple to produce a DAP with video features, if the ipod linux team could do it 6 months in advance!! why couldn't apple do it with all there immense resources,. It really was disapointing hwo long it took. Also that screen is not fun to watch movies on (--hugs psp--). __________________ Posting From the First Aluminum Powerbook. Yorkdale: Number 56 Eaton Centre: Number 2

Dec 6th, 2005, 09:11 PM	#6
Pelao Honourable Citizen Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: GTA ish Posts: 3,165	Nice one, Mr Mayor. __________________ A MacPro 2.66 Xeon, an iMac G5, a Uni MB, a wee PowerBook 12" 1.5, an eMac, a couple of cameras, a lens collection and a wonderful iPod. Oh, and a delicious wife. "Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little." Tom Stoppard “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader". Robert Frost

Dec 6th, 2005, 10:23 PM	#7
Macaholic Honourable Citizen Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 8,754	I read this article early this morning off of macsurfer, was about to rev up the fire and brimstone.... and then thought, "Aw, screw it!". Kudos for picking up the torch, boss. __________________ 32GB iPad WiFi. 15" MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Core2 Duo/6GB/200GB/GeForce 8600M GT 256MB GPU/DL-DVDRW/24" BenQ LCD. MacBook 2.4GHz Core2 Duo/2GB/200GB/DL-DVDRW >3TB of FW drives, 16GB iPod Touch, 8GB 5th gen Nano, Canon HV20 HD-DV cam, Kodak digicam, Canon scanner, Canon iP5400 printer, Jailbroken 8GB iPhone 3G. In memoriam: my Sawtooth "Frankenmac" with dual 1.3GHz G4/2GB/360GB striped RAID/DVDRW/ATI Radeon 9000 Pro

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Dec 6th, 2005, 07:53 PM	#4
andreww Honourable Citizen Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,311	What a retard. In his apology he says " I was wrong in not reporting that the company has showed signs of growth in their computer sales department". SIGNS OF GROWTH???? In an industry where nearly every other computer manufacturer is in a state of decline, Apple had 26% growth over last year (sorry ehmax, I'm quoting Adam Chritianson's report on the Maccast from a few days ago). As far as a backlash against apple? I haven't heard a bad word about apple in over a year, and I can assure you that previous to that, a week wouldn't pass without someone making an Apple sucks comment.