Steve Jobs
Friday, August 12, 2011
Regulars here will likely know that, although I own and enjoy an iPod (running on Rockbox, of course), I am no Apple fan-boy. That last doesn't mean I don't admire Steve Jobs, though. Lately, he has done more than almost anyone else, as measured by the value of his company, to expand what is available to consumers like myself in the computer and electronic device marketplaces.
I appreciate his work (and, more important, the basic way he interacts with others) even more after reading a comparison between Jobs and Barney Frank written by Brian Phillips:
Steve Jobs and Barney Frank represent two different views of America. Jobs does not acquire his customers by force, but by offering them something that they want or need. Those who do not want his products do not have to buy them. In contrast, Frank imposes his edicts by force. Those who believe that his "products" will cause them harm have no choice in the matter. Those who do not like what Jobs offers can simply refuse to buy his products. Those who do not like what Frank offers can go to jail.Wouldn't it be nice if we could live in a world with many more people like Steve Jobs, and far fewer Barney Frank types? Phillips has some thoughts on how to get to that point, as well.
-- CAV
3 comments:
I often have bad things to say about Steve Jobs, but you've just put that into perspective. Steve Jobs is an Atlas-sized giant compared to the cockroach Barney Frank.
Indeed. As much as I dislike vendor lock-in and certain aspects of the various Apple UIs, the man isn't making anybody do anything.
Referring to both comments, I say, "my thoughts exactly."
Post a Comment