Boycotting the new Leopard (Warning: Rant Inside)

[SuperDave]

So I am another irate iPhone owner who "proudly" bought on iDay to support Apple because they were unlike any other company. However, now that Apple has turned their backs on the once very loyal fan base they had, I am calling for a boycott of the new Leopard OS that will be released in October. I am not calling for an all-out boycott, just a small, 6-month boycott from the release date. The reason I am calling for this boycott is to show Apple that if they want to treat loyal customers this way, we can give it right back. Here are my reasons for a boycott:

1.) I am not upset at the price reduction itself, like many people are. I am upset at the timing of it. Companies do not reduce prices within the first 10 weeks of a launch of a new product, much less, get rid of an entire line (4GB iPhone). Apple had to know or knew, far in advance mind you, that they would cut the price and get rid of the 4GB model. It's absurd to think otherwise. This was, in my own opinion, a deliberate and purposeful gouge of the consumer, which is completely unlike Apple. I am questioning now whether there is something going on behind the scenes of Apple Inc. that we do not know about yet. I find it very strange that they keep the iPods hush-hush, simultaneously release them on the day they are announced, while hyping the iPhone for months and months. I think a full out investigation needs to be launched into the marketing and accounting practices at Apple.

2.) Apple needs to know they are not solely an iPod or any other device maker; they are an operating system company. Apple has lost its roots, or at the very least, misplaced them. What ever happened to the company in the 1980's with the weird Super Bowl ad? Apple fell into the dark ages in the early to mid 90's and now after a little success with the iPod, their ego swells more than their bank accounts. We, the Apple loyal fan base, need to show some tough love to the company we have come to admire. Apple is not an iPod maker. They are not a cell phone maker. They are not a car maker (with regards to rumors about Volkswagen). Now if I may speak with the company itself. Apple, you are a computer maker with a wonderful operating system. You used to be humble and make electronics with the highest degree of quality. Now you are no better than Microsoft. Shame on you.

In conclusion, I will be boycotting the new Leopard OS for at least 6 months after launch. I hope that some of you will join me to show Apple what we can do. Thanks you for your time.

Dave

[Hecubus]

In conclusion, I will be boycotting the new Leopard OS for at least 6 months after launch.

So, you're still going to buy it then. Yeah, keep up the good fight there, buddy.

[SuperDave]

So, you're still going to buy it then. Yeah, keep up the good fight there, buddy.

I am still on the fence about whether or not I will buy it. I was planning on buying it at launch but now I am not sure whether I will buy another Apple product, let alone the new operating system.

The reason I want only a 6 month boycott is because Apple may change it's tune over the next couple of weeks, if the iPhone price drop is any indication.

Dave

[BamBam]

I didn't state whether or not I was personally going to buy it. I was simply telling everyone who was planning on purchasing the new OS at launch to hold off for 6 months.
Dave

You're 'telling' everyone to hold off for six months?
Who are you again?

[Hecubus]

Also, I don't appreciate your condescending tone when you obviously did not take the time to actually read my entire post. If you're going to make uninformed comments, please keep them to yourself. Thank you.

Sure thing there, sport. More power to you. :rolleyes:

[cdodkin]

There are a whole load of assumptions in the OP - most of which are probably incorrect.

You're pi$$ed, we get it.

Suggest you get over it and move on - welcome to Western economics.

I'll be buying Leopard day 1 if it looks good - If it has features I need/want, why should I deprive myself for any period of time.

Just my 2c worth.

[SuperDave]

Also I don't know if many of you noticed, but Apple's stock fell quite a bit last night because of the price drop. You don't think a small boycott won't hurt them more, even if it is in the short run? We need to show them who they are messing with.

[SuperDave]

There are a whole load of assumptions in the OP - most of which are probably incorrect.

You're pi$$ed, we get it.

Suggest you get over it and move on - welcome to Western economics.

I'll be buying Leopard day 1 if it looks good - If it has features I need/want, why should I deprive myself for any period of time.

Just my 2c worth.

I understand the economics of the move. I know you don't get into business if you don't think you'll turn a profit. That's simple micro 101. However, I have every right to be upset.

If you want to buy Leopard, fine, I won't stop you. I am asking that you don't buy it because what happens when 3 months down the road they release a better version for the same amount and your version becomes obsolete? Who says they won't do that? They have precedent now.

I welcome and respect your input, thanks.

[SuperDave]

Sure thing there, sport. More power to you. :rolleyes:

Hey sorry, that wasn't mean to be posted on this forum. Ironic that it fits the situation, but not for you. Meant for a completely different topic, on a completely different forum.

[SuperDave]

You're 'telling' everyone to hold off for six months?
Who are you again?

Ok, telling was a poor word choice. I am asking, appealing, suggesting, encouraging, people to hold off. Is that better for you, professor?

[Hecubus]

Hey sorry, that wasn't mean to be posted on this forum. Ironic that it fits the situation, but not for you. Meant for a completely different topic, on a completely different forum.

Okay, how about this? This weekend I'm going to the Apple store to buy a new Macbook and an iPod Nano. When Leopard comes out, I'm buying it day one. That's just how I roll, baby. Sorry you're allowing me to get under your skin, but that's your problem.

[cdodkin]

I understand the economics of the move. I know you don't get into business if you don't think you'll turn a profit. That's simple micro 101. However, I have every right to be upset.

If you want to buy Leopard, fine, I won't stop you. I am asking that you don't buy it because what happens when 3 months down the road they release a better version for the same amount and your version becomes obsolete? Who says they won't do that? They have precedent now.

I welcome and respect your input, thanks.

Problem is, there will always be a 'better version' down the line in my experience.

If I waited, I'd never actually buy anything! LOL

I want to maximize my early adopter advantage with any new tech, so I'm in there first, pay the price, and make back more than I loose with what ever advantages the new product gives me.

If I was worried about prices falling down the line, I'd be in permanent limbo.

[prolix21]

when we find out the big super update to the iphone we've all been waiting for is tied to leopard, i bet we'll all be buying it on day 1.

[snowcrash]

If you want to buy Leopard, fine, I won't stop you. I am asking that you don't buy it because what happens when 3 months down the road they release a better version for the same amount and your version becomes obsolete? Who says they won't do that? They have precedent now.

The problem is this is a "what if".
"What if" Apple comes out with Leopard 2.0 and its better and less money then what you paid for Leopard 1.0. But there is also the "what if" they dont??? What if you waited your 6 months and NOTHING changes? As many people stated Apple doesnt do this type of thing EVER. Thats one reason so many people are upset because they thought with their emotions and not their business sense. Phones and various tech always changes, via price, better tech etc. Its not like Apple has this LONG track record of screwing the public. This was forseen by some and not by others. The people who didnt see it coming are pissed and the ones who did dont really care. There is NO reason to think Apple is going to mess with the price of Leopard or come out with a better version and charge you more money just because of what happened with the iPhone. I really think people need to relax and take a step back and realize the things you are saying. If anything people should boycot Microsoft. Ever get their OS on day one??? It doesnt work. XP anyone? Vista please!!! I spent over $500 on that piece of junk day one and reinstalled XP less then 24 hours later and still havent re-installed Vista yet. I tell you what next time MS comes out with a new OS no matter how cool it is I'm "boycotting" it (well not buying it) till at least the first or second service pack!

Its time to get real and move on from this. Apple isnt a bad company. So they dropped the price and didnt consult the iPhone community. Can we move on now??

[mlwagoner]

I know what you mean.

When I bought my first iMac (November 17, 1998), they offered the "five colors" iMacs on January 5, 1999, and missed the return offer by two weeks.
Next I bought my iMac G5 (December 15, 2005), they released the Intel Macs in January 2006, and missed the return offer by three days.
Then I purchased the iPhone 8GB, June 29th, and they now decide to suddenly lower the price and drop the 4GB model, it makes no sense.

I have been with Apple since 1988, and I am hoping to get a new Mac, but I am going to wait until Leopard comes out, and to see if they are going to have newer machines after the OS release. It may be a good eight or nine months before I get a new computer.

[SuperDave]

Okay, how about this? This weekend I'm going to the Apple store to buy a new Macbook and an iPod Nano. When Leopard comes out, I'm buying it day one. That's just how I roll, baby. Sorry you're allowing me to get under your skin, but that's your problem.

I have no problem with you going out to buy whatever you want from whoever you want. If you have the money to go buy those things this weekend, I applaud you. There are a ton of people like you out there and I used to be one of them. After this, I have chosen not to buy things when they first come out. No offense though, people like you (and what used to be me too) are the problem. It's because we buy things on the first day that allows companies to gouge and then reduce price. I know that in the tech industry, gadget prices drop like flies, but not only after 10 weeks of being on the shelf. People keep comparing the iPhone price drop to the Motorola Razr's drop but the Razr's price didn't drop in 10 weeks. It took many months before the price went down. I wouldn't be upset if the iPhone price dropped in January. Heck I was expecting it. But if I knew that it would only be 10 weeks before a price drop, I would have waited.

Oh and I wanted to say thanks for your input and opinions. I am trying not to sound like I'm irritated, but I'm posting on about 3 or 4 different forums on 3 or 4 different topics. Copying and pasting things is difficult to keep track of haha.

[connie]

[quote=SuperDave;92438]I have no problem with you going out to buy whatever you want from whoever you want. If you have the money to go buy those things this weekend, I applaud you. There are a ton of people like you out there and I used to be one of them. After this, I have chosen not to buy things when they first come out. No offense though, people like you (and what used to be me too) are the problem. It's because we buy things on the first day that allows companies to gouge and then reduce price. I know that in the tech industry, gadget prices drop like flies, but not only after 10 weeks of being on the shelf. People keep comparing the iPhone price drop to the Motorola Razr's drop but the Razr's price didn't drop in 10 weeks. It took many months before the price went down. I wouldn't be upset if the iPhone price dropped in January. Heck I was expecting it. But if I knew that it would only be 10 weeks before a price drop, I would have waited.

quote]

Amen.

[SuperDave]

Problem is, there will always be a 'better version' down the line in my experience.

If I waited, I'd never actually buy anything! LOL

I want to maximize my early adopter advantage with any new tech, so I'm in there first, pay the price, and make back more than I loose with what ever advantages the new product gives me.

If I was worried about prices falling down the line, I'd be in permanent limbo.

Oh yea I completely understand that a "newer, better" of everything comes out. It's the progression and life span of products. I'm not usually worried or concerned about things like this. I have a 60GB PS3 (an 80GB came out last month), a core Xbox 360 (New Elite console came out 2 months ago), a 37'' LCD TV (42'' prices dropped by $200 in 4 months and came with more HDMI outputs), so I understand the technology movement. But you have to agree that no company has put out a product, in 10 weeks slashed the price by 33%, and gotten rid of a line in one day, unless the product was not in demand. Which of course is just untrue of the iPhone.

The reason I bought the iPhone on the first day was because I thought Apple was not like any other company. I thought that the updates would be plentiful, the phone would work better, and the bugs would be minimal. In that case, I got swindled big time. Do you understand where I'm coming from?

[connie]

Oh yea I completely understand that a "newer, better" of everything comes out. It's the progression and life span of products. I'm not usually worried or concerned about things like this. I have a 60GB PS3 (an 80GB came out last month), a core Xbox 360 (New Elite console came out 2 months ago), a 37'' LCD TV (42'' prices dropped by $200 in 4 months and came with more HDMI outputs), so I understand the technology movement. But you have to agree that no company has put out a product, in 10 weeks slashed the price by 33%, and gotten rid of a line in one day, unless the product was not in demand. Which of course is just untrue of the iPhone.

The reason I bought the iPhone on the first day was because I thought Apple was not like any other company. I thought that the updates would be plentiful, the phone would work better, and the bugs would be minimal. In that case, I got swindled big time. Do you understand where I'm coming from?

Again I say, Amen.

[Hecubus]

No offense though, people like you (and what used to be me too) are the problem.

Being a consumerist and a capitalist is not a problem for me. It is obviously a problem for you (and people like you.) Don't throw me in the boat of blame because of your anger towards Apple.

I am trying not to sound like I'm irritated, but I'm posting on about 3 or 4 different forums on 3 or 4 different topics. Copying and pasting things is difficult to keep track of haha.

Since, as the OP, you threw out your suggestion not to buy Leopard, I'll toss one at you. Don't post.

[SuperDave]

I know what you mean.

When I bought my first iMac (November 17, 1998), they offered the "five colors" iMacs on January 5, 1999, and missed the return offer by two weeks.
Next I bought my iMac G5 (December 15, 2005), they released the Intel Macs in January 2006, and missed the return offer by three days.
Then I purchased the iPhone 8GB, June 29th, and they now decide to suddenly lower the price and drop the 4GB model, it makes no sense.

I have been with Apple since 1988, and I am hoping to get a new Mac, but I am going to wait until Leopard comes out, and to see if they are going to have newer machines after the OS release. It may be a good eight or nine months before I get a new computer.

At least someone on here can feel my pain haha. It seems to me that a lot of people (after reading the CNN piece) either don't care or don't mind. As a consumer, I'm outraged, period. Either Apple gives us all something for being loyal or will see another huge decrease in stock as people start to slowly move away from Apple. Now would be a great time for a competing company to come out with something new and exciting at a much lower price. Apple would have to match it (like they did with the Zune, those cowards) and be forced to live with an actual competitor.

[SuperDave]

Being a consumerist and a capitalist is not a problem for me. It is obviously a problem for you (and people like you.) Don't throw me in the boat of blame because of your anger towards Apple.

Before yesterday, I was fine with Apple. As a matter of fact, I loved Apple. I didn't want to own another Windows machine for as long as I lived because I hate how Microsoft does business. How are they different now? Apple prided itself (as seen in their commercials) on being different than everyone else. They wanted to be cast as "the good company who will provide superior products." Microsoft has played it cool ever since by not taking the bait and watching as Apple pulls something stupid. Whether you like it or not, Apple shot themselves in the foot. The stock says so.



Since, as the OP, you threw out your suggestion not to buy Leopard, I'll toss one at you. Don't post.

Now who's under who's skin...?

[snowcrash]

At least someone on here can feel my pain haha. It seems to me that a lot of people (after reading the CNN piece) either don't care or don't mind. As a consumer, I'm outraged, period. Either Apple gives us all something for being loyal or will see another huge decrease in stock as people start to slowly move away from Apple. Now would be a great time for a competing company to come out with something new and exciting at a much lower price. Apple would have to match it (like they did with the Zune, those cowards) and be forced to live with an actual competitor.

Yeah and after you try your WM6 phone and your Zune and your Dell laptop with Vista and realize how bad all that stuff is (and mind you this is coming from a PC user who for over the last 12 years has been building PC and Network Engineer for 10 years, and hacking every thing I've ever had) you will realize that "well I might have got taken for $200 but at least its not THOUSANDS buying inferior devices that dont work, dont sync, dont play, and dont play well together and always need tweaking to get working right" you'll be back and think... Wow it was really silly to actually think I was so upset over something so small.

[mlwagoner]

I just noticed this on the Apple website:

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

...we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week. Stay tuned.

We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.


Steve Jobs
Apple CEO

[Hecubus]

Apple prided itself (as seen in their commercials) on being different than everyone else. They wanted to be cast as "the good company who will provide superior products."

And you obviously bought it hook, line, and sinker. Crying after the fact simply makes you an unsympathetic chump. Way to buy into the hype, Mr. Gullible. Now will you take the $100 that Steve is offering back to existing iPhone customers, or are you just going to cry more that it wasn't the full $200?

[SuperDave]

Yeah and after you try your WM6 phone and your Zune and your Dell laptop with Vista and realize how bad all that stuff is (and mind you this is coming from a PC user who for over the last 12 years has been building PC and Network Engineer for 10 years, and hacking every thing I've ever had) you will realize that "well I might have got taken for $200 but at least its not THOUSANDS buying inferior devices that dont work, dont sync, dont play, and dont play well together and always need tweaking to get working right" you'll be back and think... Wow it was really silly to actually think I was so upset over something so small.

Very valid point.

I think right now I'm just blowing off steam because of what happened. However, I will think twice if I have a choice between Apple and competitor now, when before I didn't have to think. That could happen to millions of customers because of this. Apple just cast doubt into people's minds, when before, they just picked up the Apple product without thinking. Consumers are always brand name first, price second these days. Now that Apple no longer carries a badge of honor and are typically more expensive, it could hurt in the short and long run for them. But that's just my opinion.

[connie]

Children please!

[snowcrash]

And as posted above (in case you missed it)

BOYCOT OVER!!! Time to move on!


$100 "Store Credit" for Early Adopters
Letter from Steve Jobs posted on Apple home page:
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

[SuperDave]

And you obviously bought it hook, line, and sinker. Crying after the fact simply makes you an unsympathetic chump. Way to buy into the hype, Mr. Gullible.

I already told you that I went out and bought the latest gadgets before this on the first day, now it's just redundant. Do you have an iPhone? If so, you also bought into the hype whether you admit or not. So...how am I different from you?

Now will you take the $100 that Steve is offering back to existing iPhone customers, or are you just going to cry more that it wasn't the full $200?

Oh absolutely I will! That's really fantastic news. I don't want the full $200 back, I just wanted some sort of compensation for being a loyal customer. If we didn't buy the iPhone on the first day, it certainly wouldn't have sold so many. I will gladly take the credit and be happy.

[SuperDave]

And as posted above (in case you missed it)

BOYCOT OVER!!! Time to move on!


$100 "Store Credit" for Early Adopters
Letter from Steve Jobs posted on Apple home page:
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

Haha yes thank you for the news. That really does make me feel better, honestly. I retract my boycott proposal!

[Hecubus]

If so, you also bought into the hype whether you admit or not. So...how am I different from you?

And I never said I didn't buy into the hype. The difference between you and me is I didn't have my feelings hurt at the price reduction. Another difference, you feel it necessary to impose your will on others simply because you're pissed off.

That really does make me feel better, honestly. I retract my boycott proposal!

I'm sure Steve will be delighted. I know I'm stoked.

[SuperDave]

And I never said I didn't buy into the hype. The difference between you and me is I didn't have my feelings hurt at the price reduction. Another difference, you feel it necessary to impose your will on others simply because you're pissed off.

Why weren't you upset when they announced the price drop? Are you so fabulously rich and wealthy that $200 is mere pennies in the pocket to you? I really want to know. In economics it's all about where the demand curve meets the supply curve to achieve equilibrium, right? People work on the same curves of satisfaction or the law of diminishing returns. My curve was at a $200 price drop and I was upset, where's yours? What's your threshold for "price pain", if you will? What if they dropped it by $300? Would that upset you? How bout $400? What will it take for you to get upset?

I am not "imposing" my will on anyone. I was merely suggesting, not forcing, manipulating, or threatening, that a boycott be put in place.


I'm sure Steve will be delighted. I know I'm stoked.

Well finally something we agree on! :)

[Hecubus]

Why weren't you upset when they announced the price drop? Are you so fabulously rich and wealthy that $200 is mere pennies in the pocket to you? I really want to know. In economics it's all about where the demand curve meets the supply curve to achieve equilibrium, right? People work on the same curves of satisfaction or the law of diminishing returns. My curve was at a $200 price drop and I was upset, where's yours? What's your threshold for "price pain", if you will?

.........$201

[deac]

Boycott??? Not hardly. Steve just made it nearly free to us.

Thanks, man :laugh2: