Apple's culture of secrecy

Under its chief executive and founder Steve Jobs, Apple has created a culture of secrecy that has served it well in many ways--from new products to the health of Jobs.
(From The New York Times)

The story "Apple's culture of secrecy" published July 26, 2008 at 11:17 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[Thomas, David]

You're summation is still self centered. The answer to the question in your summation is no.<br><br>It is very, very clear he views this as a private, and personal matter. Requesting it remain off the record, and providing you the facts, to relieve the incessant hounding over his health is more than understandable. In addition, despite your opinions of one another, in entrusted you with this private information.<br><br>You'd think you would want to take the high road as well.

[Tui Pohutukawa]

Remarkable. So Joseph Nocera can't tell us what Jobs said during the phone conversation, yet he can confirm that Jobs' cancer hasn't returned. Some contradiction.

However, I'm pleased to hear his condition doesn't appear to be life threatening. I wish him a long and healthy life. Apple needs him, and I think we need Apple as well.

[techslut]

Well, thank God (I think). I only pray that what SJ told Mr. Nocera about his condition not being life-threatening and cancer-free are true. With Apple's secrecy and insular attitude toward the public, I still wonder.

[joetesta70]

$TEVE JOB$ is a greedy jerk. Doesn't do anything for humanity other than what lines his pockets. No notable philanthropy compared to Gates, Dell, Ellison, Page/Brin....the list goes on and $teve is AWOL.

Randy Pausch is someone that will be missed. $teve Job$ won't.

[groink_hi]

Ummm... Jobs gets paid $1.00 per year by Apple. Most of his worth is stuck in shares of Apple. According to Forbes (March 2008), Jobs is the 189th richest person in the world. I doubt most of the other 188 people are philanthropists. joetesta70 is an un-educated moron.

[drpp55]

I won't argue your opinion that Steve Jobs is a greedy jerk (it's an opinion). Your assertion that there is no notable philanthropy compared to others ie: Bill Gates and Michael Dell et al. does not necessarily conclude Steve Jobs is not a generous benefactor. His giving like most wealthy may go on without fanfare and public disclosure. Just because you have a strong dislike for Steve Jobs is no reason to bash his charitable work. Be honest just say you hate Steve and be done with it.

[Ilgaz]

I was just hoping after a takeover by a gigantic media company, CNET would change their attitudes but it seems the gang is still in action.
Does CBS owned CNET still require these?

[Penguinisto]

Err, the article is a New York Times reprint. IOW, the blame lies w/ the NYT.

[chuck7644]

just another snarky piece from the NYT, which has lost most credibility over the last few years. Their Q2 to Q2 net dropped 82% because of lost ad revenue and lost circulation. Nuf said?

[leapways]

Its says: "There are no hard and fast rules about how and when companies need to disclose information about the health of their chief executives. This is not true. Many companies have thier own rules and regulation around this. The job board site <a href="http://www.leapways.com">leapways.com</a> is primarily aiming on Technology start-ups.
Now a days startups are the main drivers of tecnology in US market.