WSJ Article on the Tablet Plays It Safe
The WSJ posted a new article regarding Apple’s (unconfirmed by Apple as of yet, remember) tablet device. Reading through the paragraphs of rumors and speculation is like driving down a road filled with potholes, swerving to avoid each one in turn. Just check out this list of caveats, from beginning to end:
“…say people familiar with the situation.”- “…these people add.”
- “The people familiar with the matter…”
- “Other people briefed on the device say…”
- “…say people familiar with the talks.”
- “…according to one person familiar with the matter.”
- “…says a person who has worked with the CEO.”
- “…but a person familiar with the matter said…”
- “…but people familiar with the company’s thinking…”
- “One person familiar with the matter said…”
- “…people familiar with the situation say.”
- “One person familiar with the matter said…”
- “This person said…”
- “…according to one person familiar with the matter.”
- “…said one person familiar with the meeting.”
- “People familiar with Apple’s plans say…”
Seriously? Come on…everyone knows someone who knows someone, right? This is like a game of “my sister’s husband’s father’s ex-roommate’s kid told me so!”
Here’s the truth (are you ready for it?): Apple doesn’t announce products before they release them. Period. They don’t share research and development projects. They don’t share photos or samples or “roadmaps” for future devices. They don’t say a word. Nothing. Zip.
So…here’s the deal: if someone tells you Apple is going to do something this month, or next summer, or in 2011, don’t believe them. Their source might as well be their uncle’s hunting buddy’s wife’s hairdresser, otherwise known as “someone familiar with the matter.”
