It's wierd (Score 1)

First of all, we probably never would have heard anything about this book, especially the negative parts, if Apple had kept quiet and kept it on the shelves. How powerful is apple? Will this slap on the wrist be enough to make other publishing companies think twice before they insult Steve Jobs or the company? What about other forms of media? So they've sued thinksecret, a devoted fan site, why, because they're not real "journalists?" In America the freedom of the press protects anyone that decides to publish a pamphlet or newsletter, shouldn't a blog count? Of course there are limits to first amendment rights. Namely, libel is illegal, so is endangering the public (classic example: shouting "fire" in a public theater) and matters of national security are typically off limits (remember Geraldo was sent packing when he revealed troop locations on fox). Typically, "public figures" can be subjected to more scrutiny than an average citizen. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that everyone has a reasonable expectation of privacy, in your own home for example. Steve Jobs business practices don't necessarily strike me as a "private" matter though, especially since he is the CEO of a publicly traded company. In fact, to me, it seems very relevant. I know I'm rambling. But what I'm getting at here is that Apple has sort of been a dirty media player lately, and in my opinion, doing damage to the free press. They sued think secret, i recently read about a minor scandal in which a television reporter apparently accepted money to give apple positive reviews on TV (lots of loopholes, not necessarily illegal but probably a little unethical), and now this. That's three of the major medias... And with dominance in the portable music player market Apple may decide to use its muscle to control that medium in similar ways.