Gizmodo- Steve's health declining rapidly [Archive]

williewalliewoo

Dec 30, 2008, 12:17 PM

From Gizmodo's reliable source:

Steves health is rapidly declining. Apple is choosing to remove the hype factor strategically vs letting the hype destroy apple when the inevitable news comes later this spring.

source (http://gizmodo.com/5120687/steve-jobs-health-declining-rapidly-reason-for-macworld-cancellation)

I hope this isn't true, though I kinda expected it...

Edit >> I also agree that they may just be looking for attention as most blogger do, but it is rare that they post with such certainty in their sources.

kastenbrust

Dec 30, 2008, 12:19 PM

Where do people come up with these total BS articles from? It's none of our business anyway

aristobrat

Dec 30, 2008, 12:33 PM

Do Gizmodo authors still get paid by the number of page visits? If so, Jesus Diaz should be able to retire after he collects his check from this article.

This is probably going to be even more profitable than their article about them getting 86'ed from CES for turning off the TVs.

PlaceofDis

Dec 30, 2008, 12:35 PM

i dont have much respect for Gizmondo after their CES pranks that they boasted about.... so i wont be clicking through to them. but this just does smell like fishing for attention.

zombitronic

Dec 30, 2008, 12:37 PM

I just hope that MR doesn't fuel this BS. Notice the way Giz "reports" this?

RUMOR

Steve Jobs' Health Declining Rapidly, Reason for MacWorld Cancellation

Sensationalist tripe. And AAPL took a pretty big hit on the news. Unless this is proven to be true, can shareholders crucify Jesus?

arn

Dec 30, 2008, 12:48 PM

I've always been reluctant to cover Steve Jobs health rumors. I'm in a wait-and-see sort of mode here and see where this goes, how big it gets, and if there's any official response.

arn

jaw04005

Dec 30, 2008, 01:00 PM

How convenient for Gizmodo, as everyone at Apple is likely on vacation at the moment. They better be careful. The SEC doesn't take false reports that manipulate stock values lightly.

I hope Jobs pops up at Macworld.

zombitronic

Dec 30, 2008, 01:03 PM

Voidness

Dec 30, 2008, 01:04 PM

This is terrible news if true. But I don't have much trust in Gizmodo. They say they got this from a %100 reliable news source, but I don't remember Gizmodo ever posting accurate Apple rumors from their said sources.

talkingfuture

Dec 30, 2008, 01:06 PM

I think I'll stick to believing these stories when I hear official confirmation from Apple. Until then I assume its rubbish.

NT1440

Dec 30, 2008, 01:07 PM

Gizmodo is HEAVILY reliant on apple generated hits, thats why every other article is related or mentions apple in some way.

I REALLY hope this isn't true, but this "article" leaves the bad taste of "some guy is speculating that I know so Ill post it on my site" in my mouth.

There are very few people that know the facts here, and until one of them announces something, to me Steve is Offically fine.

Nalp2010

Dec 30, 2008, 02:23 PM

We'll find out soon enough whether it's true, he won't be able to hide a significant health problem for ever.

Unspeaked

Dec 30, 2008, 02:27 PM

CNBC (http://www.cnbc.com/id/28437017/site/14081545) rips Gizmodo on this one.

Apple's Jobs is (Still) Fine

Posted By: Jim Goldman

You want to know how skittish Apple investors are and how little conviction they have in the company, or trust in its message, look no further than today's Gizmodo rumor fiasco.

The blog reports a serious decline in Steve Jobs' health as the real reason for his decision to pull out of the Macworld tradeshow keynote address, and the stock tanks. Apple shares had spent the day in the green before these headlines hit the tape, and then promptly turned red.

Never mind the Gizmodo report was flimsy at best. Never mind the blog seemed to distance itself from its own report. Traders and their hair triggers swiftly yelled "Sell!" — and rumor overshadowed reason once again.

I spoke to Apple after these headlines crossed and the company, which officially doesn't comment on rumors, reiterated the reasons it offered two weeks ago: Apple was pulling out of Macworld because the company didn't see the need to continue its investment in the expo, which included Steve Jobs' keynote.

I was told this morning (Tuesday) that nothing has changed since then. The same reasons apply today that applied two weeks ago.

I was told two weeks ago by sources inside Apple that the decision had nothing to do with Jobs' health. I got the same message today. Period.

I will say again: if Apple is lying, holding some truth back, manipulating its own stock by manipulating the truth, someone — indeed a lot of people — could be going to jail. Do I like the way Apple has handled this ongoing story? No. But do I traffic in rumors to fill the void the company has created by not choosing to be more forthcoming about Jobs' health? Absolutely not.

When Apple's got something material to report, I trust that it will. Meantime, unsourced garbage nuking its shares is just that.

rdowns

Dec 30, 2008, 02:28 PM

CNBC's take on it. (http://www.cnbc.com/id/28437017/site/14081545?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext%7C&par=yahoo)

You want to know how skittish Apple investors are and how little conviction they have in the company, or trust in its message, look no further than today's Gizmodo rumor fiasco.

The blog reports a serious decline in Steve Jobs' health as the real reason for his decision to pull out of the Macworld tradeshow keynote address, and the stock tanks. Apple shares [AAPL 85.91 -0.70 (-0.81%) ] had spent the day in the green before these headlines hit the tape, and then promptly turned red.

Never mind the Gizmodo report was flimsy at best. Never mind the blog seemed to distance itself from its own report. Traders and their hair triggers swiftly yelled "Sell!" — and rumor overshadowed reason once again.

I spoke to Apple after these headlines crossed and the company, which officially doesn't comment on rumors, reiterated the reasons it offered two weeks ago: Apple was pulling out of Macworld because the company didn't see the need to continue its investment in the expo, which included Steve Jobs' keynote.

I was told this morning (Tuesday) that nothing has changed since then. The same reasons apply today that applied two weeks ago.

I was told two weeks ago by sources inside Apple that the decision had nothing to do with Jobs' health. I got the same message today. Period.

I will say again: if Apple is lying, holding some truth back, manipulating its own stock by manipulating the truth, someone — indeed a lot of people — could be going to jail. Do I like the way Apple has handled this ongoing story? No. But do I traffic in rumors to fill the void the company has created by not choosing to be more forthcoming about Jobs' health? Absolutely not.

When Apple's got something material to report, I trust that it will. Meantime, unsourced garbage nuking its shares is just that.

f/stop

Dec 30, 2008, 02:36 PM

It does seem that the blogsphere often affects AAPL; hopefully these people do not have any of apple's stock: this is a severe conflict of interest.

Remember when engadget said the iPhone was delayed? That would have been a good time from Peter or Ryan to buy stock (Obviously I don't think they did, just hypothetical).
I hope these people are aware of the affect they have on such a volitale stock as AAPL.
:apple:

Ted13

Dec 30, 2008, 03:00 PM

I've always been reluctant to cover Steve Jobs health rumors. I'm in a wait-and-see sort of mode here and see where this goes, how big it gets, and if there's any official response.

arn
Right on Arn! And of course judging by the CNBC story, Gizmodo is full of it.

I think that Apple's general counsel would be seriously scared of being shipped off to jail by a post-Madoff affair, eager for scalps SEC. No way would Apple legal, board, and other execs hide a "material" Jobs illness in this day and age. No way.

Dec 30, 2008, 03:04 PM

I'm interested to see how this pans out. Gizmodo are placing their balls on the chopping block big time here with such a controversial story, so you'd like to think that they're more than aware of the ****** storm that will follow and that their confident enough in the scoop to publish it.

I desperately want this story to be a complete load of crap and Gizmodo to suffer the wrath for it but on the other side of the coin you have to seriously wonder what on earth is going on with this Macworld thing.

I'd like to genuinely think it's because they don't really have any 'Steve Hype™' worthy announcements and are keen to lower expectations a little, but at the same time Macworld has been an institution for Apple and more importantly, Mac fans. Even if the announcements aren't big news I'd still like to think Steve would want to take a bow and say goodbye and a thank you to all the loyal exhibitors and fans from their yearly showpiece at least.

Remember, Macworld is the arena that was used to unveil Steve's 3rd proudest tech achievement in his life - the iPhone. Surely this means more to Steve and Apple than the half-hearted press announcement suggesting they don't need Macworld.

A concerned hmm...

SwiftLives

Dec 30, 2008, 03:20 PM

There's definitely more going on here than Apple has been telling us. And Apple has never exactly been known for being terribly forthcoming unless they have to be. Something about this whole ordeal seems very abrupt to me.

Part of me is hoping that Steve will at least make an appearance during the keynote. That would make me feel much better about the whole situation. If Steve isn't seen at the conference, that is going to lead to a lot more negative speculation.

fleshman03

Dec 30, 2008, 03:44 PM

CNBC's take on it. (http://www.cnbc.com/id/28437017/site/14081545?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext%7C&par=yahoo)

Most telling:
I will say again: if Apple is lying, holding some truth back, manipulating its own stock by manipulating the truth, someone — indeed a lot of people — could be going to jail. Do I like the way Apple has handled this ongoing story? No. But do I traffic in rumors to fill the void the company has created by not choosing to be more forthcoming about Jobs' health? Absolutely not.

I hope he is alright. This story seems to be hitting the big time yet again...

iMacmatician

Dec 30, 2008, 03:44 PM

There's definitely more going on here than Apple has been telling us. And Apple has never exactly been known for being terribly forthcoming unless they have to be. Something about this whole ordeal seems very abrupt to me.Leopard's delay comes to mind, as well as all the products Apple said they would not release (iPhone, flash iPod, …).

Vanilla Thunder

Dec 30, 2008, 03:47 PM

Steve Jobs is dead. You heard it here first. ;)

iAthena

Dec 30, 2008, 04:02 PM

Everyone likes Steve and the energy he brings to Apple and the events he attends. However, I don't buy into the idea that he single handedly is the heart and soul of the company or the product line. There are too many true believers in the product, the concept and the look and feel that Apple has developed and nurtured for the entire company future to hinge on the man. I hope we have Steve with us a very long time and I hope that he gives his health first priority.

Unspeaked

Dec 30, 2008, 04:05 PM

Most telling:

I hope he is alright. This story seems to be hitting the big time yet again...

Is there a glitch that makes my post above invisible to everyone but me?

First someone linked to the same story I did, then you pull out the very paragraph I'd bolded in my own quote as being significant.

Just want to make sure...

jaw04005

Dec 30, 2008, 04:07 PM

For what it's worth, Jobs gives Goldman an interview every time he holds a press conference.

He is usually the only TV reporter that gets an interview. You would think he would have better sources than Gizmodo.

I have no use for Gizmodo or Gawker Media in general. I'm sure there are good people there, but from their immature CES pranks to their false iPhone "coming tomorrow" announcement, they don't strike me as a very credible site despite their popularity.

BittenApple

Dec 30, 2008, 04:08 PM

Steve Jobs is dead. You heard it here first. ;)

uhh. ugh..

fleshman03

Dec 30, 2008, 04:11 PM

Is there a glitch that makes my post above invisible to everyone but me?

First someone linked to the same story I did, then you pull out the very paragraph I'd bolded in my own quote as being significant.

Just want to make sure...

I think so. I didn't see you had posted the same exact thing right before the other person. I was just giving it an extra bump so more people could pay attention to that. I didn't even see yours. Maybe it is invisible? ;-)

Sorry man. I know how you feel. I posted some news story two seconds after another dude submitted it. He got the credit and the threads got merged. Didn't mean to step on your foot. :) I quoted you now!

Unspeaked

Dec 30, 2008, 04:33 PM

Sorry man. I know how you feel. I posted some news story two seconds after another dude submitted it. He got the credit and the threads got merged. Didn't mean to step on your foot. :) I quoted you now!

Don't worry about it, we all have out moments of "being invisible" in the forums...

Getting back on topic, it seems that even Perez Hilton (http://perezhilton.com/2008-12-30-apples-steve-jobs-seriously-sick) has picked this one up.

VaatiKaiba

Dec 30, 2008, 04:59 PM

Firstly, Arn, I'm 100% behind you - it's just down right insensitive to post any sensationalist story for want of page views - Steve is a person with feelings as well, and the online community sometimes seems to forget this.

Secondly, I'm waiting for the truth from Apple, however long it takes - it'll come out at some stage and then we'll know who was right and who was wrong. Until then, it's all speculation, and I'd hazard a guess that this is the last thing that Steve needs in his life (especially if he is trying to move the company on to the next generation).

Edit: And thirdly, happy new year and best wishes to Steve, and everybody here :D

petermcphee

Dec 30, 2008, 05:01 PM

I think I'll stick to believing these stories when I hear official confirmation from Apple. Until then I assume its rubbish.

That's sort of the thrust of the story, though. It's that Apple has deliberately misled the public (and thus, the shareholders) regarding the health of dear leader.

maccam

Dec 30, 2008, 05:05 PM

As long as Phill Schiiller is the new CEO i'll be happy! Haha, we might actually get some decent computers =D

fleshman03

Dec 30, 2008, 05:35 PM

SwiftLives

Dec 30, 2008, 05:50 PM

The question is how long can Arn go without posting the story. It's making its rounds. It might seem odd if it doesn't get posted here.

Well, so far only one source is reporting this. I would suspect that if there are other sites reporting this from various sources, then we might see something. But in the meantime, I'm not sure how much credibility this deserves right now.

queshy

Dec 30, 2008, 06:10 PM

Steve Jobs is dead. You heard it here first. ;)

not funny.

fleshman03

Dec 30, 2008, 07:44 PM

Well, so far only one source is reporting this. I would suspect that if there are other sites reporting this from various sources, then we might see something. But in the meantime, I'm not sure how much credibility this deserves right now.

Only one is reporting it, but others are reporting that the original report is being reported. lol.

They all are saying that someone wrote a story about it.

Appleinsider, CNBC, 9to5mac. I'm sure others will pop up.

nick9191

Dec 30, 2008, 07:47 PM

Sounds like XYZ company that those tits at Gizmodo are listening to are about to make a large purchase of stock.

jaw04005

Dec 30, 2008, 08:31 PM

"Apple has consistently declined to comment about Jobs' medical issues. It didn't change its policy Tuesday, telling Bloomberg News: 'If ever Steve or the board of directors decide that Steve isn't able to do his job, I'm sure they'll let you know.'"

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-apple31-2008dec31,0,6253335.story

From Robert Scoble,

“I'm in Palo Alto. Just had yogurt at shop that Steve Jobs eats at frequently. They said he was in a couple of days ago and is in great health.”

http://friendfeed.com/scobleizer

I really hope it's true, but I do find Scoble's post somewhat humorous. :)

iceblade

Dec 30, 2008, 09:51 PM

Interesting, but I'm going to have to agree with what seems to be the general sentiment that Gizmodo is making stuff up. They used to be my favorite, then I found Engadget, and found out more about Gizmodos reporting style, and that it seemed to be childish.

Messing with stock prices is a big issue though. Wasn't there some sort of blowup about CNN's iReporter or whatever it is called, and them messing with stock prices of something?

I hope it isn't true, that Steve is still having health problems, but I'll wait until something solid comes out.

mysterytramp

Dec 31, 2008, 07:26 AM

pdjudd

Dec 31, 2008, 10:09 AM

This is definitely scratching brain cells I haven't used in a while, but I seem to recall Apple pulled out of MacWorld before, maybe in the early 90s, probably because of the lousy economy. If that's true, Apple's non-appearance at MacWorld might not be something that deserves wild-ass speculation. It might mean -- though hard to believe -- the company can make wise business decisions.

mt

You are probably thinking of the East Coast MacWorld that got moved to Boston from New York. Apple pulled out of that one for much of the same political reasons that they are pulling out of this MacWorld.

I am with most people that the Health of Steve Jobs has nothing to do with this (it came to no surprise that people would speculate about it - its a easy rumor to spread that people have done multiple times already). If Apple were trying to manipulate its stock or the board of directors, we would be seeing lawsuits (remember anybody can file them) from the board members (aside from possible investigations from the SE) left and right - they would know the truth before most people would - and they would not be happy at such blatant stock manipulation.

This reeks of every other health scare rumor out there - no basis for belief based on what we know already.