“I understand that journalists want to be cynical and to claim ‘objectivity,'” TWO A DAY reports. “But when 11 bloggers at ZDNET write over 50+ negative blog posts in a little over a week for a product NOT even out yet? What is that?”
TWO A DAY reports, “ZDNET has over 11 blogs that touch upon Apple so of course, the writers are attempting to increase page view counts to get a bigger bonus and at the end of the year, their bosses won’t notice how they got there but out of some 60+ posts in the last week or so, there were about 2 that were positive and 2 that was neutral … really, Apple & the iPhone is such a horrible product that it warrants nearly 50+ negative blog posts and that’s just the last 10 DAYS or so?!”
TWO A DAY reports, “Even when they post news or just a press release, they have to add a snarky comment while most other companies in another blog post just simply get their press release info mostly re-posted with a few neutral or positive comments – are they trying to show they are immune to the ‘reality distortion field’ or the so-called hype?”
TWO A DAY asks, “And who exactly is creating this hype? Is one keynote, one official press conference, 5 ads and now 3 press releases really ‘hype?’ There’s more hype over M&M’s changing color … is it not ‘hype’ when ZDNET chooses to write 60+ articles by 10 different people?”
Full article, with a list of articles in question, here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “LinuxGuy and Mac Prodigal Son” for the heads up.]
ZDNet and their parent CNET Networks, Inc. are anti-Apple? Now, how the heck would someone ever get that idea? 
Halsey Minor founded CNET in 1992 with $5 million in venture capital from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Intel owns a 5 percent stake in the company. Minor’s aspired to develop a cable network devoted to computers and new technology, with a companion project on the Internet. In April 1995 it launched a weekly half-hour program on the USA Network, and cnet.com, featuring news, product reviews and helpful tips. Today CNET has several Internet sites devoted to topics ranging from computer and technology news to web design, from online gaming to downloadable software, including the web sites ZDNet and Computer Shopper, as well as CNET Download.com
That’s precisely why I haven’t read ZDNET or CNET for years now. These losers have been on MS’ FUD astroturfing payroll for a long, long time…
2 that was neutral????
MW – dead – as in English is dead.
Link to info here
Well, we can always hope that this new blogger will help balance things out:
http://www.macalope.com/2007/06/19/the-macalope-sells-out/
As if real people are paying any attention to the spin doctors. I remember all the negative press ZNet, CNET, etc. gave to the iPod when it arrived. “Doesn’t have this feature, or that spec”, they all crowed. Then they ate some. Even some so called “Mac enthusiast” knocked the iPod. I simply kept buying more AAPL shares.
Rock on Steve!
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”raspberry” style=”border:0;” />
Let me refer you to Steve Jobs’ keynote at MacWorld 1998 — specifically “Steve’s Hierarchy of Skepticism.”
Apple FUD is simply that, and Apple is not afraid. Steve and Jonny and Phil and Tim and Bertrand and the gang to to work each day giddy about the job ahead and leave each day giddy over a good day’s work. Bet on it.
I listen to the Buzz out loud almost everyday (don’t ask me why) and I also noticed the increasing negativity by the whole crew. Molly has always been an Apple basher no matter what but now even Veronica is at it as well. Constantly ragging about the iPhone or Safari and even iTunes/iPod. It feels more and more contrived IMO. especially when they now tend to praise lame products such as the Zune. Is Microsoft a huge sponsor of ZDNET/CNET? Sure sound that way.
The louder the naysayers get against all things Apple, the more fear they evince that this is, more than likely, the beginning of a very long end of Microsloth dominance.
Let the trembling begin! (And continue.)
So I went to the AT&T store today because I had a few questions about their network (I’ll be switching from Verizon). Get this: the AT&T rep tried to talk me out of getting an iPhone.
He said that the Blackberry would do a better job with the internet because it was a true 3G phone. He, of course, forgot to mention that the iPhone has Wi-Fi built in so that I wouldn’t have to use their network every time I want to check email or surf the web. He also tried to tell me that it’s basically the same thing since it’ll play videos and MP3s.
“Is it compatible with iTunes?” I asked him (already knowing the answer). “Well…no, but-“
I cut him off by telling him I simply wasn’t interested.
The sky is falling dammit, why isn’t anyone listening dammit, the sky is falling… geesh, c’mon now, listen up – THE SKY IS FALLING!!! There dammit NOW do you believe me?
I think the AT&T guy was just trying to get a sale off you on that day, rather than delay it.
Its probably safe to also assume that, if you buy a blackberry now, you’ll end up with an iPhone eventually, hence doubling their sales.
cnet and zdnet have always been anti-Apple. They love to put out all the negative FUD they can when they get the chance. I never go to either of there sites because of all the FUD they right. There about as good as the inquirer star magazine FUD. You can’t take them seriously.
Sounds like iPhone envy to me…
And who can blame them!
ZDNet = irrelevant
It’s going to intensify bigtime. And the minute someone gets a dud or breaks one trying to eat it, they’ll be all over it like sweat on Ballmer.
This harkens back to the TV show in mid-90s – The Site
Seems things, in fairness to open journalism (ty Soledad), would always come around each time to comparisons of Mac/Wintel, and we all know how that came out (even had Dorkvat around, and know how that came out, too). But can’t imagine the owners/producers were happy campers with the results.
Check Wikipedia for – The Site – and you’ll be reminded, or learn, about what forces were at work then: MSNBC, ZDNET, et al.
Those same forces are still in play 10 years later. Perhaps on their last gasps.
We’ll see.
The Future
Begins 29 June
Welcome
Thank You, BC
Hey Guys, Wooow,
MSN is Cool huh, Look Cnet, thats a Shame huh,
Also On CNN last night They where talking about people not getting work email on the Iphone,
Which is strange and Un true as if you have outlook most companies should have, web access for this,.
ie outlook online.
I was angry when they said that, PS also I have some Domains
if anyone wants to use them :
Cool guys
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” />
iphoneant.com
iphoneawesome.com
iphonetrack.com
iphonews.co.nz
Didn’t ZDNET go out of business a couple of years ago?
I agree with TWO A DAY. What hype? All Steve did was give one (now two) demonstrations of the iPhone and, recently, some TV adds.
The only hype is what everyone else is doing (including the competition) after they saw what the iPhone can do.
OK people: Assult on
Cnet
Harvey Norman
PS: all By the way OS 10.5 looks cool: It is 64 Bit
the Z files system happy they did not put this in as Reliablity is more important. really.
also The safari System for Progarmmers is a Bit stink I Aggree but So what.
Best feature is 64 Bit guys I believe people this is cool,
I am IT manager ,disk issues etc I do not like we need realiable.
Scumsuckers
Ummm…. I remember liking & watching CNET on Cable here in the UK, because of the world viex of tech reports from India, Europe, Australasia etc. Using people from those places back in 94-97 then they CNET bought ZDNet in 2000, then gave back the web sites under the name?
Anyway It’s a shame that such a place “programme info & sites” should turn into “resort” to Anger, Hatred & FUD venting at one or any company. I don’t have cable or Sat here in Europe because of no freedom of chioce! I’m not going to pay €65 monthly… & so I look at websites for info & free TV streams such has CNET, I haven’t even bought a newspaper in 13y’s I look up the website.
MW from MDN is “taking” has in “taking liberties!”
To be honest all these web tech ‘reporters’ opinions are worth fuck all.
None of them have got an actual iPhone to test or use to review.
So until they do pay the $ to Apple tp buy one (they have no chance in hell of Apple ever sending them a phone free for review because they are not professional journalists) everything they write is all rubbish.
Only when the iphone has been out a month will I seriously consider reading a review of the product.
ZDNet is operated/funded by Microsoft anyway, so even if Apple invented a flying car or a way to travel to the end of the universe in milli-seconds ZDnet would still try and rip the product apart.
To conclude, no one should consider any reviews or opinions on how good or drap the iphone is until it is out in peoples hands using it.
Regardless, what all these web amateur hacks write, im definately buying one when it is released in the UK anyway!
So whatever they write – it’s totally irrelevant!
MDN is no better. It uses page hits in exactly the same way, to make money. Why bother reporing this drivel otherwise?
Why report the drivel?
There’s an old Chinese saying:
“Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer.”
If you don’t study the enemy and their tactics, they’ll eat you for lunch.
“But when 11 bloggers at MDN write over 50+ positive blog posts in a little over a week for a product NOT even out yet? What is that?”
“Even when MDN posts news or just a press release from most other companies, they have to add a snarky comment while Apple just simply get their press release info mostly re-posted with a few neutral or positive comments.”
Bla bla
I am cool. Anthony
@Ooops,
I assume you are trying to be funny, as nobody could be that stupid.
If ZNET called themselves “Microsoft Daily News” and declared their pecuniary interests, noone would care what they write. But instead, they pretend to have impartial views and news. As a result, innocent consumers may be impacted by trusting them.
I think some people, in general, don’t like whatever is popular. I definitely went through that stage in college with music. But, now that I’ve gotten quite a bit older, I’ve realized that hating something just because it’s popular is just as shallow as hating something because it’s obscure. There are some super-popular bands that are amazing (The Beatles, Zep, U2 until the last few years, etc.) and there are plenty of obscure (“alternative” ‘member when that word meant something?) bands that are just terrible.
The iPhone looks amazing. But I have to say, I’m worried about the keyboard. Did anyone else notice Jobs accidentally trying to use both thumbs to type on the iPhone in that keynote a few months back? That’s gonna take some getting used to. Then again, I’ve never touched a real iPhone, so, I guess I have nothing of value to contribute.
Shadowmac, you have a valid point. ZDNET affiliation is more obscure to a visitor than MDN; ZDNET has Microsoft ads but even other ads, while MDN is solely AppleStore.
I also agree with you that unlike ZDNET, MDN does not pretend to have impartial views and news, and the risk of innocent consumers being impacted by trusting MDN is low.
Microsoft is behind this for hire ZDNet bloggers to writing bad things against iPhone.I knew it and every should know it as well.
http://www.mp4-converter.net/iphone-converter/
@Oops, wrong version
<“Shadowmac, you have a valid point.”>
Thanks, unlike you…
Your position, is indefensible.
The truth hurts doesn’t it? Poor babies! The iphone is getting the type of press that the rest of Apple’s overpriced and overrated products should be getting. They are toys for the ultra rich and have no place in corporate america. Microsoft’s products interlink to bring you a secure computing system through VPN and user verification techniques. The iphone is good at playing secured AAC files that only work on Apple proprietary hardware.
Steve Jobs has a long way to go before he can even begin to think he can take on the likes of RIM. In the mean time when do we see The Sims (the only game on the mac) ported over??? Hehe.
Oh, yeah. CNet is bought and paid for. Hence this FUD campaign. Too many journalists who don’t mind betraying their calling and getting their hands dirty for Bill.
They’ll all look fools when it sells like hotcakes, as it will. And some IT departments will have to get off their lazy arses and start supporting open standards like IMAP and CalDAV rather then Microsoft’s overpriced and underperforming proprietary crap, because some iPhone users will demand to be able to use them for work. Good piece by Gruber on this:
http://daringfireball.net/2007/06/exchange_exchange
This is going to help a more general opening-up, which will be good not just for Apple but for everyone … everyone except Microsoft, that is.
Mac Realist
Wow, Your words , I cant believe this opinion.
I am laughing now , Poor You,
Keep them coming Hahhahha
Hey PS,
If I come to USA does anyone have a Job, In IT Product Design , Development,
Please,
Thought you might like this! It is from a previous news snippet on rumours.
Nintendo & Apple create a new revenue stream, Apple allow the Wii access to AppleTv….
Imagine how quickly Nintendo’s coffers will fill up when the Wii is avaiable for use on AppleTv?
Sony & M$ have serious reason to start turning in their virtual graves!!
Except of course Sony’s saving grace is Blu-ray which Apple is supporting to the hilt.
What is the Balmy one’s saving grace?
CHAIRS….more CHAIRS!!!!!
Musical Chairs, now available on Zune.
Record company executives race round chairs thrown in place by the Balmy one. When the Zune stops (which it does if you don’t subscribe!) the record company executive without a chair gets kicked out of PlaysForSure!
Balmy one, I await royalty & licencing fees!!
@ macrealist
The truth hurts doesn’t it? Poor babies! The iphone is getting the type of press that the rest of Apple’s overpriced and overrated products should be getting. They are toys for the ultra rich and have no place in corporate america. Microsoft’s products interlink to bring you a secure computing system through VPN and user verification techniques. The iphone is good at playing secured AAC files that only work on Apple proprietary hardware.
Steve Jobs has a long way to go before he can even begin to think he can take on the likes of RIM. In the mean time when do we see The Sims (the only game on the mac) ported over??? Hehe.
—–
Tell me something…
Why do you post on this forum???
You have nothing constructive to add to any subject and only wallow in negative and unproductive comments.
Heres a new and original concept (something windows users no nothing about), why not get your facts correct before posting the inane mindless drivel that spews out of your arse every time you try and write a basic sentence.
I never could understand the thinking behind someone who posts on forums that has no interest in the subject, maybe you like to waste your time at work, maybe you are so anti-progress that you feel inadiquate – who knows.
What I do know, is that no matter what crap comments are posted and anti-Apple FUD that is flying around will have NO impact on Apple’s success.
And lets face it, Apple IS the most successful software and hardeware company in the worl today (just look at the share price).
Apple may have a worldwide market share in single figures, but Apple are proof you dont need 90% share in any market to be successful and a market leader.
One thing I do know for sure, is that every mobile phone company is shitting themselves because of the iphone. The reason why is because they know it’s gonna be hugely successful and that there is no way they will be able to copy the amazing user experience that users will enjoy when using the iphone.
And what makes me laugh is that all the negative press – about a product that NO ONE HAS EVEN USED YET will actually generate more sales of the iPhone for Apple.
There in no such thing as bad publicity.
Camel’s Milk gets negative publicity….. Has it been done any good?
re: Camel’s Milk gets negative publicity….. Has it been done any good?
—-
The difference is that Camels Milk has been for sale for years and have a reputation. Also add to the fact that the people who make Camels Milk do not know how to handle the media, wheras Apple are experts at it and turning FUD around into a positive message.
..and The iPhone isnt even out yet – that makes a very big difference as no one has even used the product yet!
@Windows (Mac) Realist
Go play play with your Zune dude, we’re bored now…
I mean go reboot your POS Windonws OS, spend a few hours disinfecting your virus ridden PC, reboot your POS Windonws OS a few more times, delete and reinstall your Zune software, reboot five more times, muck around for a few hours trying to get your musak working, reboot a couple more times, then…no time to go to work…get home, reboot and liksten to your Zune…if ya lucky.
Hahahahaha…yes your words really hurt enlightened Mac users…keep on pitching em, while Steve and the lads just keep on hittin’ home runs…Jackass…
Kennedy was the first US president who didn’t wear a hat to his inauguration. Since then men’s hats went out of style and the men’s hat industry has been in the doldrums.
However, that is about to change. They need to ramp up their hat production in the run-up to the iPhone. I presume that the ZDNet bloggers don’t normally wear hats, but beginning on 30 June they are going to need to purchase them so they can eat them.
I never though of hats as dietary supplements, but I imagine the hats will do wonders for their humility.
“Why do you post on this forum???”
Here’s why:
In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who intentionally posts derogatory or otherwise inflammatory messages about sensitive topics in an established online community such as an online discussion forum to bait users into responding.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll
Mac Realist finds this entertaining. You gave (it) pleasure by responding.
“There’s an old Chinese saying:”
“Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer.”
It’s actually…
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”
Sun-tzu
Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC)
Wikipedia says…
“Sun Tzu (Chinese: 孫子; Pinyin: Sūn Zǐ; c. 544 – 496 BC) was the author of The Art of War, an immensely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. He is also one of the earliest realists in international relations theory.”
going fast .
hahahah
iphonefish.com
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” /> please
iphonesnap.com
iphonestudents.com
iphonetrack.com
iphonews.co.nz
Having fun here, my domains so far …..but not many left guys.
I though may make a best fish spot application, need some help, anyone
Get used to it, ladies and gentlemen. This is what makes Apple great. Continue to push the envelope, produce awe-inspiring products, excite your consumers (and critics) and let people talk about it. In time only the consumers will make a final decision whether to buy these products or not, based on their experience with Apple products and word of mouth recommendations from other consumers. This is what separates Apple from all other mediocre companies.
In the meantime, RELAX and let these clowns write whatever they feel (it’s therapeutic, I guess) like, but you discerning Mac readers and intellectuals know better their reasons for such motives.
Penis envy syndrome. It hurts.
Zune tang, pls. call my office for your next appoinment.
3 test for a PC user LOL
1. Think of something cool , try to write it down on a PC…(quickly)
2. do a search on a hd (lol) oops Hidden files
3. open a Window 5 different times how many times (Not Responding)
…in the movie Castaways there’s a moment when Hanks is on the dingy and turns around sharply to see he’s about to be consumed by a jet engine. ZDNET has just turned their head around to see the iPhone but they’ve also eyed The Hand slipping more cash into their pocket …military mercenaries might end up with war stories but these guys sell whatever integrity they might have for a paycheck. So, being with ZDNET must be like a masquerade party ..everyone looks like a journalist.
The FUD will come roaring out at high volume, once the iPhone makes it into the wild. There will be plenty of invented problems. Being a new product, there will likely be some real problems too, as with new models of the Intel Macs. Those problems are most likely solvable and won’t make a difference in six months to a year.
Some of the Apple investors are hoping for a dip in the stock to buy some more shares in July. I hope so, because I am trying to get my son to invest in AAPL. I just spent the last of my available retirement money on AAPL stock in an IRA. I really do not care about any short term dips, since I am now fully positioned long on Apple stock for the long run — a few years down the road, since I am retired guy.
anyone coming to Sydney can visit, I have a cool place
If your Not Cyco
Cool, I live alone on my mac, all day.
I have Fox Tell which is Cool, BBC news is cool, and David Ledderman, and that fat guy
…and apparently a stash of psychotropic drugs, Anthony. 😮
why that Busting
To Mac Realist.
You talk about “Apple’s overpriced and overrated products”
“Overpriced” in comparison to eMachines, yes. “Overrated” is a subjective judgment to which you are entitled.
“They are toys for the ultra rich” I work two jobs and support a family of three. My income is about 125% of the minimum that is required to support a family of four in my county. I’m ultra rich?
“[They] have no place in corporate America.” That’s for corporate America to decide. Personally, I don’t care whether you are right or not.
“Microsoft’s products interlink to bring you a secure computing system” That would be news to my employer’s system administrator. We have about a dozen people who are certified in that.
“Through VPN and user verification techniques.” Microsoft’s user verification techniques keep me from accessing the servers at work, but I can purchase a product called Dave that adds that functionality. Meanwhile, I use VPN to get on the corporate intranet remotely.
“The iphone is good at playing secured AAC files” You can’t say that without using an iPhone, so you must be an Apple fan who’s provoking discussion; in which case, thanks.
“[AAC files] only work on Apple proprietary hardware.” That was a slip of the finger. You mean software, not hardware. However, I don’t think that’s true.
You say the truth hurts. Well, here’s some truth. Microsoft accused me of stealing Vista when I had to reactivate over the phone; all I was doing was reinstalling it on the exact same machine. Without activation, Vista would go into a reduced functionality mode. That really shook me up, because if it did that in error, all of my software and data would be inaccessible and useless until I bought a new license. By my criteria, a platform that can collapse at any time is not secure. It’s like a safe with a foot-thick steel door that can fall off at any moment.
@ Anton.
iphone-red-snapper
ipike-iphone
Urchin-iphone
iphone-shark
bottomfeeding-shrimp-iphone
Red-Clam-Jamphone
Is that enough?
isn’t ZDNet/CNet a wholly owned subsidiary of microsoft?
Ta Crabapple
keep them coming
need more, Need one for a Community site
Actually, I think there is a very good reason for these critical views about the iPhone in many of these stories. News, in any form, is driven by a number of “house rules”, two of which are as follows:
1) You simply have to write about what is hot at any given time. No news outlet can ignore the hot topic of the day and hope to be taken seriously (and to be able to compete with rivals). For the tech media, nothing is hotter currently than the iPhone. So in a way, all these reports about the iPhone are actually a backhanded compliment to the device. It simply means the pending release of the iPhone is a sizzling topic at the moment.
2) Most journalists stake their reputation on being “neutral” in what they write. And being “neutral” is taken to mean that you have to be critical at some point in your story. Sometimes, this is taken to ridiculous extremes. So if there is nothing to criticize in a topic (or product, as the case may be), they feel the need to come up with something to criticize, so that they can be seen to be “objective” and “even-handed.”
A product like the iPhone makes things very difficult, since all that is known about the product is positive. So writers are “inventing” all sorts of shortcomings in the iPhone. The priority is not to make the iPhone look bad (although that is the result) – the priority is to make the writer look like a “credible journalist.”
Of course there are the FUDers out there with an agenda, but there are also probably many writers trying to make their way up a crowded ladder by showing themselves to be “tough” journalists.
@mac realist
I tell what is over-priced. Windows Vista!
And plus it’s a weak bowel OS.
I hate to say this but, all my asian friends that have a vista running on their system didn’t pay full price for vista.
Which makes Micro$oft a very confused company.
I listen to the Buzz out loud …noticed the increasing negativity by the whole crew. Molly has always been an Apple basher…now even Veronica is at it as well. Constantly ragging about the iPhone or Safari and even iTunes/iPod…they now tend to praise lame products such as the Zune…
HAH! I thought it was only me. Every time Molly talks about anything Apple there is the sneer in her voice – I am so tired of her anti-Apple attitude. I would rather her not talk about Apple products at all, as, other than their Apple-bashing, I enjoy their mix and banter and humour.
I’d argue that we’re not nearly as negative as portrayed. My point by point response.
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=5437
Sure I’d like more details about the AT&T rates for the iPhone but more importantly, I’d like to know if I can record a message that says I’m busy watching top notch, widescreen porn on my iPhone and please call back later. My whirled delivered.
Comment from: LinuxGuy and Mac Prodigal Son:
“The FUD will come roaring out at high volume, once the iPhone makes it into the wild. There will be plenty of invented problems. Being a new product, there will likely be some real problems too, as with new models of the Intel Macs. Those problems are most likely solvable and won’t make a difference in six months to a year.”
That’s why I’m buying put options for August 2007.
“Some of the Apple investors are hoping for a dip in the stock to buy some more shares in July. I hope so, because I am trying to get my son to invest in AAPL. I just spent the last of my available retirement money on AAPL stock in an IRA. I really do not care about any short term dips, since I am now fully positioned long on Apple stock for the long run — a few years down the road, since I am retired guy.”
I hang out with LG&MPS; on another forum populated by serious Apple investors. We understand that the long term trend in this industry is that Microsoft will slowly fade as it tries to control content and confine users to its increasingly proprietary systems, while Apple continues to gain market share at 2-3 points per year with 30% (double the industry rate) growth. This is not changing any time soon. Within 5 years Apple will have a 30% market share in computers and operating systems. Apple is growing. Microsoft is dying. Bet on it and get rich.
@Zorrin
I new this would happen. AT&T is just going to be another Best Buy scenario for Apple. I think you should report your experience, with names, directly to Apple, and I think Apple should sue the crap out of ATT and that sales rep right away.
This subjective anti-Apple bull shit in the open market is beyond tiring and always oh-so predictable.
That is, “…I knew…” – sorry ’bout that.
Compared to say, the FUD that MDN puts out about Microsoft. What did you expect?
It’s all one big game and MDN plays it as well as anyone.
MDN should orchestra some “social engineering” on these drone bloggers. In addition to the “think be you click” line that is used now to point out obvious “Dvorak-style” hit pieces, there should be a “click to give the dog a treat” line next to any of those few positive blogs on CNET (and elsewhere).
The problem with all these people at CNET, and others elsewhere (such as Kim Komando), is that they have made their reps via helping the tech-illerate, average Joes and Janes overcome various Windows computing problems.
What’s going to happen to these people when most average Joes and Janes no longer require their help?
The plain and simple explanation for the FUD? It’s obvious…they’re scared.