Does not keep the doctor away in the case of Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computers. After announcing last week that he was suffering from a hormone deficiency, for which he had begun a simple treatment, Steve Jobs elaborated today to say that his health issues were more complex than he originally thought, and as a result, he would be taking a leave of absence. As a result, Apple's stock took a nose-dive and all kinds of panicked questions are being raised about Apple products. Steve Jobs has been an integral part of everything Apple; from the creative process, to marketing initiatives, Jobs has allowed brilliant and innovative ideas to shape Apple into one of the most recognizable and successful companies around. To steal a term from the always clever Apple, Steve Jobs' concept has been "genius" at creating really cool stuff, and then presenting it in the coolest way. I truly believe that Bill Gates lies awake at night - using million dollar bills to wipe his tears away - so frustrated that no matter what he does, Microsoft is never as cool as Apple. They may offer comparable products, but Apple always seems to do it better. Where Microsoft is all about business, function, and aggressive and pervasive marketing campaigns in pursuit of world domination, Apple just chills out, looking cool, working really well, drawing people in because everyone wants to hang out with cool kid.
Based on the reaction of the media and stock market to Steve Jobs' illness, it seems they're not so sure they want to go to the party anymore if Apple's not there. Steve Jobs is so synonymous with his company, that apparently, his illness automatically spreasd to all Apple products and decreases their value. I find it interesting that despite the quality, success, and popularity of Apple technology, faith in the company seems to rest so heavily on a single human being. I wonder if there'd be the same reaction to Microsoft if Bill Gates fell ill? The market response to Steve Jobs' illness implies that without him at the helm, Apple isn't worth as much, and that there's a legitimate fear that the product and brand will decrease in quality in his absence. Does this mean macbook's will be cheaper? Will iPods now only come in black and gray? I think it's interesting because it just goes to show that for all the buzz about technology and our faith in the various technologies we use each day, people still place the bulk of their trust in people. At least, that's what iThink.
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