Comments on: Crossing the line on Steve Jobs' health

CEO health issues are serious business for corporate boards and shareholders. But that doesn't give writers license to make cancer diagnoses from the 12th row--or worse yet, a photo.

[aki.daddy]

I appreciated your article and you make several good points. However, when you mentioned Microsoft and Steve Job's children, I get the feeling you're crossing the line of responsible journalism. Please leave out your personal feelings.

Health matters of those who are heads of public companies come with the territory.
Government leader, athletes, and actors know this and accept this.

[Curtb2]

Folks,
At this point it's the height of hypocrisy to suggest this issue is being brought up for the good of the stock holders... It's beating the heck out of the stock value. I'n december Apple hit $202.00 a share. This rumor and and stories of unimpressive projections have taken one of the best years in apple history and cut the stock value by 20% in six months and thats not even figuring in the $17.39 cent drop last night, the evening after Apple announced its best 3rd quarter of all time. This Rumor attack is a scam designed to allow big boys to move big positions into Apple after knowing the news. Take a look at the charts Apple did a $30.51 swing in one day thats almost a 20% change. We the stock holders are getting ripped off by this Jerk.

Curt

[Bubba_Satori]

The stockholders are not getting "ripped off". Investors are pricing Apple's stock because of a variety of factors. The two biggest being Apple's cautious guidence for the next quarter and Apple's refusal to be forth coming and honest about the health of the most important CEO in American business. Instead of being angry at the messenger, I'd suggest you forward your concerns To Apple's investor relations department.

[bob1xxxx]

Im sorry but jobs health is a very import issue to instutional invester. The years when jobs was away form apple the company sank atleast three different times. Jobs needs to have a clear plan of sucession in case his cancer treatment side affects suddle kill him or leave him unable to run the company (is stroke, heart failure, intense radation sicknees). As much as I dislike apple and Jobs it the return of jobs that change apple from a laugh stock to a profitable viable company producing inovative products that people want. Yes Jobs need to get off his ass and clearly outline who will run apple because of his serious health issues it only far to apples customers (big and small) and the share holders. Look apple fan boys this is the real world and Jobs need to respond or except falling share prices its that simple.

[Philstera]

So its alright to make up stories about Britney, Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise et al, stake out their homes and basically write anything you like about them in the press. But hang on don't you dare even speculate about Steve Jobs health. He might be offended.

Mr Krazit you need to go back to Journalisim School and complete your ABC's.

[gigo1000]

I'm surprised to hear some suggest that Apple's entire existence rests on the shoulders and personality of Steve Jobs. When I bought a Macbook it was because I liked the computer not because I liked Steve Jobs. I'm certain Apple has a plan for succession - any big business must in case of accidents - it's why the United States has a Vice-President. I think Jobs health should be a private matter between him and the Apple board. I agree with Tom on this one.

[ptb6744]

Excellent column.

That Asay guy who wrote that column regarding Jobs's health has no idea what he is talking about. Ive had an iPhone 3g since launch and havent had any problems he is having. I just think hes full of it

[AppleSuxLeo]

He already looks dead. The FUD machine will be sorely missed !

[artwarrior]

ATTENTION ALL WHO THINK STEVE's Health is a public matter = you guys are idiots!!!!! The poor guy is fighting for his life and instead of praying for him you come out and talk your baseless crap.
My father is also diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and is fighting like there is no tomorrow, you can read more about it here: http://pancreatic-cancer-warrior.blogspot.com/ .

I am sure Steve has everything covered in worst and best care scenario.

I recommend you guys watch a move called Bucket List, I am sure Steve can relate to Jack's character.

Steve, God Bless you and may they find a cure for all the sick, no matter what the sickness is.

[artwarrior]

One final thought, just because Kirk Kerkorian is 93 years old doesn't mean he needs to publicly disclose his health report every time he goes to the doctor for a check up just because the investors want to know. I think people like Kirk and Steve have enough common sense to make sure they business goes on even if they are no longer around. If you do not know who Kirk is, I suggest you google it.

[cheshirkat]

Blodget has the reputation that he has earned.

-CheshirKat

[idrankthekoolaid]

FINALLLY, an excellent article on the issue. A breath of fresh air. This will definitely put on my blog as THE article to read on the issue. You cover the issue realistically and with a heart. Some say that isn't "responsible journalism." Ha! Guess where you can put that? If being a decent human being isn't responsible journalism, when responsibility equals the vulture-mongering we have seen, responsibility can go to hell.

Oh and for the '**** who thought there was a flaming to come because the author said Steve was not a demigod. Are you that obtuse? I am about as much as a fangrl as they come, but there was nothing in that article I could not amen. And for the one who said mentioning his kids was "irresponsible" - go back to human being class. Thanks.

[mcharge]

excellent article. Completely right, if there's no reason to worry tell us, but if there is it really is up to Steve to let us know if and when he feels like it, and the people reporing on it like it is news, DONT!

[JustinDripDrop]

Wow dude that is totally cool man!

JT
www.FireME.To/udi

[QuinzePrime]

Bravo Tom. This really is one of your best articles yet. You nail the subject matter right on the head and all your points are spot on.

SJ's health is no one's business and this reeks of just speculation and investor's trying to drive the stock prices in one direction for their own personal gain. Truly "much to do about nothing".

You've made my morning Tom!

[Xtoo]

I am glad Tom has decided to write about this matter. I don't think is right for anyone to talk about someone's health outside family and friends. Its is a private matter. Jobs is too SKINNY, too this too that. Leave the guy alone. He obviously knows what he's doing which is a lot more than any of us. This just shows how this society only cares about how much $$$ someone can make you. How about other CEOs? Some are really old and others so fat they could drop dead on a heart beat. No one talks about them. The day Jobs, Gates or any other great business man passes away, WE'LL ALL LOSE and I am not talking about money (that we can make back) but their contributions to our world and the future. These guys are the great visionaries' of our time and instead of talking s**t about them we should all try to contribute to make them healthier and live longer so WE can benefit. But unfortunately, our society understand it all completely backwards.

[drstockton]

Yes, Fred. I really appreciate your recollection and review of the specific medical concern. However, this is mostly about the Brand as "minds and markets" seem to run together. I hope Steve Jobs continues in full force, but I hope Apple announces a succession plan, kind of like Bill Gates did at Microsoft. Jobs could move "up" in the organization, be more separate from product design processes and still carry the brand energy associated with his role at Apple.

[jtmajorx]

I hate Steve Jobs. I really do.

[timster799]

Good article. I think Jobs health is his business. To talk about Jobs health in the same sentence as stock value is tasteless and crass. Do we really want to cross that line?

[SUNHEART]

EXCELLENT article, the state of Steve Job's health is absolutely a private matter.

[Chanmh]

thank you for this article. it is the best on this subject.

the key qualifier on disclosure of private health information is "material" impact on performance of duties. what has transpired borders on hysteria and the people who make a living preying on other people are having a field day. this discourse has "materially" affected the asset value of some portfolios ("materially" impacting only if you panic and sell), but this is "materially" separate from steve's performance.

welcome to the digital world where the real is unreal and the unreal is real. in the organic world, steve should care less about this hysteria. he is who he is because the listens to himself and that person actually has something worthwhile to say. he does not listen to the screams of people who cannot do that and are forced to shape their opinions based on the input of other people.

while the artificially generated panic is not a result of steve' performance of his duties, it does potentially hurt the company and its thousands of owners. steve' s job is to drive the equity value of the company north. when you look back on this three years down the road, this is a blip. that said, he obviously has enough compassion to minimize the angst of his employers by leaking information through surrogates. personally i believe this is a matter of personal privacy to steve and making a direct statement in response to the irresponsible creation/manipulation of rumors would only encourage more of that behavior. steve, in spite of all his detractors, appears to be an island of principal in a sea of lessor values.