Apple Mac Brand Damage Alert
So, I was browsing some geeky/techy site and the below pop-up opened:
So – just being curious (as it is about one of my favorite brands), I played. Guess what? I won:
Then, you get to the below screen and I have put in a red arrow at the base to the bit you need to look at:
So now I need to put in my mobile and every text received or sent I pay £1 for unless I send a STOP command.
Plus, I join the Wizawin subscription service so I can look forward to ongoing information (all chargeable – natch).
I’m fine about it all really…..but….I just have to say a few things. I’m perfectly calm.
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THIS IS A FUCKING TRAVESTY.
I LOVE THE APPLE BRAND AND THIS PULLS IT DOWN TO BEING A CHEAP AND NASTY, SNEAKY OPT-IN CON.
I HOPE TO GOD APPLE DIDNT APPOINT YOU TO CARRY OUT SUCH A MORONIC AND SELFISH CAMPAIGN.
THE FACT YOU USE THEIR IMAGERY IS RUDE ENOUGH – YOUR USAGE OF LIGHT-GREY-ON-WHITE SMALL PRINT OUTLINES YOUR MORALS (OR LACK OF).
YOU ARE DAMAGING THE APPLE BRAND. BACK OFF.
–
Really, I’m OK. It’s no big deal. I’m over it.
– ADDITION–
Please read the comments on this post for extra insight. Following which, I have now sent the below feedback form to Apple:
I will post any response…
Interesting – I very much doubt Apple would sanction anything like this. However, is there anything they can actually do about it? Is it possible to restrict the using of one of your products in external promotions or competitions without permission?
I am all for brands being used outside of what some marketing dept thought was 'right' and I am also all for companies trying different business models.
What I will always do though is wave the occasional flag when a company disregards the rules of engagement (1. Transaprency of Offering, 2. Relevance of Comms, 3. Value of Incentive, 4. Ease of Interaction) and attempts to blind-side members of the public.
Obviously this is really common.
The fact this somehow 'makes it ok' is the struggle I have – in the same way as any other unfortunate practice common in our society.
The brand that is Apple is one I am loyal to.
Everyone – and I mean everyone – has a right to adopt it and mutate the communication of/with it.
My excersizing of this right is to defend my version of it – which is NOT represented by the above.
To quote and/or paraphrase Voltaire et al, my position is:
“I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it.”
I have updated the post with a feedback request form – lets ask them.
Actually – this issue is tremendously important as we look into the truism of perception being equal to reality:
http://www.jonathanmacdonald.com/?p=1595