Comments on: Is it time to kill the Apple press event?

Apple's press events can pack a real punch, but others may not live up to anticipations. Is it time to ditch keynote presentations in favor of standard product-unveiling press releases?

[ducttape36]

the media certainly loves apple, and apple knows how to take advantage of that. but they should only have press events when they have something big to announce. otherwise the media will get tired of them, which is evident by articles such as this one that keep popping up. its kind of like the boy who cried wolf. keep holding events when there is nothing to announce and no one will attend one when there finally is something to announce. although to be fair, macworld isnt really their event, and people just expected them to be there and announce something huge.

[MSSlayer]

did you just call Don "the media"? LOL Good one! :)

[RainCaster]

Apple held a press event?

Perhaps the bigger question is "do users actually read press coverage of Apple?"

[ducttape36]

you just did.

[AllenKids]

Yes and in agony. Though I kinda am apple fanboyish.

Seriously. Apple is waaayyyy over coverd, and as a cult member I don't like it.

[lmasanti]

It think you are mixing two things, even without noticing that.

At least for me, one thing is a "date fixed" external event like Macworld (also controlled by others and close after Xmas...) and a quite different thing is an Apple-generated, at its own time, event.

The first means "being forced on time," the second, "made when you're ready."

If this is right, your article almost make non sense.

[iphonedied]

Seems that Apple used and now abused the Macworld organizers. Typical arrogant behavior from the company that abuses its investors. So this article makes complete sense. Buying from Evil Apple is nonsense.

[pjhenry1216]

I dunno. They've had some boring events recently. When they had that event a couple months ago about iTunes' Genius feature and colored nanos, I wasn't too impressed.

[ZarkSeven]

I agree. I think Apple's announcement about future Macworld participation was more about wanting to control their own announcements. They've had some press events on their own where they've gotten just as much attention as Macworld.

[rapier1]

The value of the media coverage to apple is worth several hundred million dollars a year in free advertising. That's a *big* chunk of value to give up. Does Apple really believe it can generate the same value at its stores and through ad hoc events? I don't know. Part of the value of MacWorld and WWDC is that its a fixed date point that give rise to increasing cycles of speculation. Its a self reinforcing media feeding frenzy. The question is what are the long term value propositions for any particular strategy. Obviously Apple is rethinking things but I do not see them 'killing' press events. Not on their own anyway.

[l.diazsantana]

Oh common! If free advertising is the whinging spread all over the internet by pseudojournalists, then they are better off without Macworld.

In the mac stores you have direct access to the toys, and can ask questions about how to use them. You nor spoon-fed sensationalist headlines from people that cannot give a toss about apple, but about hits on their own websites.

[iphonedied]

l.diazsantana - "In the mac stores you have direct access to the toys, and can ask questions about how to use them. You nor spoon-fed sensationalist headlines from people that cannot give a toss about apple"

In the Apple stores, you have direct access to the tos (not computing devices) and can ask questions to low paid "Genius" who spoon feeds you inane information about how you're an idiot if you don't use the closed end proprietary system from the evil empire. And they don't give a toss about the customer.

[iphonedied]

YES! Who cares about this arrogant, monopolistic evil company? Kill the press, let the rotten company die. LINUX ROCKS! Long live Linux!

[jug831]

You may want to look up the definition of monopoly. Apple is hardly the only computer vendor.

[The_happy_switcher]

You're being kind of hard on Microsoft aren't you?

[edarnoldnet]

Putz. You obviously know nothing, so quit commenting.

[iphonedied]

edarnoldnet - "Putz. You obviously know nothing, so quit commenting. "
The Evil Emporer Steve Jobs couldn't have said it better. "We're arrogant knownothings, and anyone with knowledge that questions our cult should just shut up!"

LINUX ROCKS!

[ObeliskMark]

ducttape36 and Imasanti have it right, and it seems Don Reisinger has it wrong and again titled his blog post with a tabloid-like title to lure lots of web hits to up his numbers. It's a conceptual error. It's time to kill the FIXED press event. Duh!

Phil Schiller did a great job btw, and one of his first comments was that each week is like 11 MacWorlds or something like that. Bring the stuff to the people rather than only allowing the privileged few to swpend big bucks to come to MacWorld. And we get to watch the whole thing in HD on our Macs when we want. Apple is changing with the times. I wish people's critical thinking skills could be upgraded and improved too.

Mark Hernandez
iPhoneDevForums.com

[rapier1]

That 'each week is like 11 macworlds' line was hilariously stupid. The point of MacWorld hasn't been to get in touch with the base consumers for *years* if ever. The point of it has always been to get new products and services in front of the opinion leaders; reviewers, editors, journalists, and bloggers who would then tell the masses what is interesting and exciting. If Apple thinks they can short circuit that relationship I think they're insane. They rely on the press coverage to get people coming into the stores and the web site to find out about the great new products. Few people are just going to wander in to the Apple store on a weekly basis to keep up on things.

[l.diazsantana]

@rapier1

You are wrong.

[Everlovin G]

To: rapier1 and anyone else who, and I use this word loosely, _thinks_ that Apple® _needs_ Macworld: The 'cult' of Apple has always been about evangelism (ask Guy Kawasaki). People who use Apple computers love Apple computers and are enthusiastic about 'sharing the love' with anyone willing to listen. Why? Because "they just work."

Conversely, Microsoft product devotees, and PC devotees in general, always seem to be on the defensive about their choices, or disparaging of Apple products. Methinks ye dost protesteth too much.

=^ )

And, yes, I am an unapologetic Apple enthusiast (since 1984).

[iphonedied]

Everlovin G - "The 'cult' of Apple has always been about evangelism (ask Guy Kawasaki). People who use Apple computers love Apple computers and are enthusiastic about 'sharing the love' with anyone willing to listen. Why? Because "they just work."

Conversely, Microsoft product devotees, and PC devotees in general, always seem to be on the defensive about their choices, or disparaging of Apple products. Methinks ye dost protesteth too much."

No Microsquashy here, I love Linux. As a third party, I see much more Apple Fan Boi bashing of Microsquash than the other way around. And I almost never hear a cogent technical argument. It's all about the cartoon desktop and their worship of the Evil Emperor baby!

And to wander into an Apple store to learn anything from a dolt with a title of Genius is just plan hilarious.

LINUX ROCKS!

[sandor_f]

do "serial travelers" typically go for the 17" notebook model? i would think the "desktop replacement" crowd would be the more typical buyer.

i would bet dollars to donuts that non-swappable batteries are a moot point for a vast majority of users.

[rapier1]

Having had to replace multiple batteries in my mac notebooks it is an issue for me. I'd like to believe that it will last for years with out a problem - but I won't believe it until its been in use for years. I'm really not willing to turn yet another device into a disposable product dictated by the lifespan of the battery. Not without real proof.

[mcooper13]

I agree. I think this new battery is a breakthrough. Designing the battery to fit a particular laptop with the goal of increased capacity is exciting.

Besides, it is replaceable, just not by the user. Bring it back to Apple and they'll replace it. I hope other manufacturers do this - are you listening Dell and Lenovo?

[hummerzdca]

Big media events are still good investments, help the economy, and surely are a positive distraction from all the other ugly things the general media puts out. The fact that Apple is pulling out of MacWorld should be no surprise, especially if you consider the economy. Smart moves like this is like knowing when-to-say-when should be applauded. To continually try to top your last topper is exhausting for anyone. I'm just happy to know that great companies like Apple continually strive to be the best at what they do. Unfortunately it is us who expect so much perfection that we're complaining about nanoseconds, rather than what we'd do with it if we had it? Have we gotten so piggish in feeding our lust for more and more tech that we've lost our focus on how much is enough? No wonder our kids don't know either!

[ballmerisanape]

No matter what Apple does or says at their conventions (way more than what competitors are doing) or financial meetings (record earnings).. their stock goes down.

[jug831]

What stock report are you looking at? There is no doubt the price has moved down in the last 6 months...but so has the global economy as a whole!

[ballmerisanape]

just after each "announcement" this year, the stock dropped... even when the stock was in an upward trend. It's been this way for the last few years. Apple could announce a cure for cancer as the "one more thing"... and the stock will fall 3% that day.

I was referring to the above mentioned acute (well known) phenomenon.. not the downward trend we are seeing now.

[kelmon]

No. Don't be silly. The way to avoid the anti-climax feeling of press events like the MacWorld keynote yesterday is simply to hold them when you have something to show rather than holding them we the calendar rolls round to a certain date.

Personally, I thought yesterday was pretty good but it clearly depends on what sort of products you like since you can't please everyone and you can't expect an iPhone each year.

[karport]

MacWorld provided the table, it's up to apple to serve up the meal. It is evident that Apple no longer wants to do that in the MacWorld house. I do not believe that Apple does not have new products in the pipeline or for that matter almost ready for introduction. Apple instead is warehousing those products to introduce at a time and place of their choosing and there in lies the rub.

Apple apparently believes it can set the stage and table at a time and place of their choosing, sort of like what the NFL has done with their own pay per view network ignoring the existing cable and broadcast outlets. Time will tell if this is different marketing strategy is smart or penny wise and pound foolish.

Apples appeal and success to a large extent has been made possible by a brand name supported by a fervent fan base, taking that for granted is a mistake. Talk to the Dallas Cowboys who went from Americas Team to just another in the pack. Saturn is another example of a company who owed their initial success to a brand that gained respect of a small but loyal customer and fan base, that went south as well.

Apple as a computer company is now less so, with products like the I phone and I pod the showcase products and cash cows, those fortunes can easily change. Brand and customer loyalty is a huge asset, just ask Disney.

Time will tell how things will sort out but my sense is Apple is making a mistake by trying to fix something that is not broken. I would have broken tradition by showing at least 1 product that will be introduced sometime in the future, you know the 1 more thing.

[nemrel]

Nothing will be "newsworthy" from Apple until they can come out with a computer under $800. I would love to use Apple products, but everything is just so expensive. Shouldn't their stuff be a little less money - seeing as they get such amazing press & free advertising each and every year with their Macworld Expos? Another newsworthy event would be if Apple announced they are going to allow their users to actually open up their form factor computers/laptops in order to service them at home. Three years ago I got a Dell laptop (quit laughing - it was a gift) and in 13 months (of course - one month after the warranty expired) the battery went bust. Why spend $1,000+ for an Apple that has no option for easily replacing the battery when it dies in a year or two? Oh yeah - that's right I should just buy a new laptop every year. And if you don't buy the latest Macworld offerings each year, then you're just an unstylish nerd.

[jug831]

Sounds like someone is jealous!

[ballmerisanape]

You can replaced the battery in every apple laptop made.. ever. Even the new 17 macbook pro can have it's battery replaced.. for the cost of... well... a new battery.

Also, Apple has a sub $800 computer.. it's called the Mac Mini... Apple has a store online.. might want to take a look.

[edarnoldnet]

You're making comments that show your lack of knowledge. Apple has had computers under $800 for some time now. Your Dell busted after only 13 months. I have many Apples that have been going for years without the first problem. You get what you pay for, and if you want a $600 Apple, you can get that too!

[MSSlayer]

If you want a garbage computer Dell or HP are the companies for you.

[zenwaves]

If you believe they should 'kill' the press events, have your reporters sit at home the next time Apple holds one.

See how that works for you.

[iphonedied]

I would applaud that. All of the Apple God worshipping fools looking for their daily fix of hype from the evil empire can go elsewhere. We who are interested in real computing can then get our information here.

[pjhenry1216]

The star that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.

[MonkeyTrainer]

Of COURSE the keynotes were propaganda affairs. That's what trade shows ARE.

As a platform for launching new products? New consumer products have missed the Christmas season. Updated consumer products annoy those who bought over the holidays. New Education products are old news by the time the Fall purchase cycle comes around. Large scale professional purchasing budgets are defined before the end of the year. Announce ANYTHING in advance and you freeze a current retail activity for that sector of the market.

When developing a product takes years and can suffer random multi-month delays, letting any other company constrain you to an annual product introduction in January is really, really stupid. Nowadays, Apple has enough market clout to create an event if and when they feel the need. More power to them. That's the way the game SHOULD be played.

[mjtomlin]

This is exactly why Apple has decided to pull out of the Expo. Expectations are set too high for a fixed event. Honestly, keep your journalists away from Apple's press events if you think they are non-events. Also, I don't see how this was a "snoozefest"? Maybe if you're someone who is completely delusional and thinks every announcement Apple makes should be a market shifting anomaly? The people who use those products are very excited by the announcements. I for one can't wait to get my hands on the new iPhoto. And iTunes music finally being offered DRM-free! How is that not a huge announcement?

@pjhenry1216: "The star that burns twice as bright, burns half as long."

Not sure what you're referencing here, but of all the original PC makers, Apple is the last man standing and is the only PC company left that develops its own hardware and operating system.

[pcnerd37]

I think the press events are a good idea, but changes need to be made. Fewer events every year wouldn't be a bad idea although I don't think that would really fix the issue.

I believe the real issue lies with Apple's secrecy about what will be unveiled at the events. If they let people know more about what will be talked about at events, the hype around the event will be adjusted accordingly and you won't have so much disappointment. Asking people to travel from all over the world to an event where they don't know what is going to be talked about is a bit much, especially when they end up like yesterday and become a snoozefest. If there is a huge change in direction like with the iPhone, then maybe secrecy might be warrented, but not for updates to things like iLife or iWork, especially when the new features are just an attempt to catch up or stay caught up with the products of your competitors.

[edarnoldnet]

Although I also do not like the idea of a non-replaceable battery, people with iPods and iPhones have learned to manage this. And I think you'd be surprised how many road warriors do NOT carry a spare battery. Nobody in my company does, and they have ample opportunity to. All to say that the battery thing is a small issue. As far as Apple having major announcements twice a year... no company does, so why expect that of Apple? It's no big deal as long as they continue to lead the industry with their technology, which they do.

[jh7468]

Today, you can plug in your battery for a quick charge at almost any airport or coffee shop, and even many planes have power for laptops. This could be a minor inconvenience for some but should not be a problem for most.

[HMCIV]

Apple's keynote was boring? Well then I'll be interested to know if anyone remembers anything exciting being released at CES... ever.

[sanjayb]

I was hoping they would mention something about Snow Leopard.