A marketing coup for Apple
rickt
All this buzz about the iMac and the new Powerbooks is swell. Many people
(read: industry publications) are saying nice things about Apple, and are,
for now, refraining from using the words "troubled" and/or "falling". Just
about every newspaper (and even some T.V. stations) reported on the
introduction of the newest Macs, with a strange emphasis on how
well-received the new iMac appears to be.
This is just about as much fun as watching the most recent Apple
commercials. Of course, it's less fun because there are no people on
fire; but in a way, it's more fun, because this amazing amount of
publicity -- and let's face it, it's very positive -- is largely free.
It wasn't that long ago that a number of people in this newsgroup were
calling for Steve Jobs' head on a platter. He killed the clone program,
and so he must die, was the standard rant at the time. He was accused of
being the antichrist on a daily basis, and even less flattering things
once in a while.
Like him or hate him, you've got to admit, that Steve Jobs knows
marketing. Apple hasn't had this much good press in YEARS. And to top it
off, it's FREE. Even Microsoft can't afford that kind of marketing fiat.
Let's review:
* Apple stock price is way up.
* The new G3 series has sold over half a million units.
* The new Powerbooks are getting very good press.
* Apple market share is beginning to creep back up.
* Microsoft Office for the Mac is a hit (that's good for the platform.)
* Retail sales (at CompUSA) are up.
* Apple will probably ship _some_ flavor of Rhapsody within six months.
* WWDC is just around the corner.
I'm already impressed with the marketing aptitude displayed by Jobs. Now,
let's see if he can use momentum to really pump up the platform at the
WWDC. Can you say SLAM DUNK? There are probably going to be some
media-grabbing surprises during this event. That being the case, we
haven't heard or seen the last of the favorable press stuff. All this
coverage is worth about 100 superbowl commercials, btw. Steve Jobs may
not be a great "manager" or "people person", but jeeeez, this guy knows
how to sell!
Go Steve Go!
Rah, Rah, Rah!
rickt