Where is Apple's appeal for help on the website now???!!?

[mojohanna]

All, I find this very curious. Back when the tsunami's took place Apple almost immediately posted a message and links clearly on the home page. It is frustrating to me that Apple has not done the same for those in the same desperate need right here in their own country.
Now is the time to make a statement and leave an indellible (sp?) impression on the the country as a company that is compasionate about its citizens and frankly some of its customer base.

C'mon Apple, get after it!!! Do the right thing.

[latergator116]

They do have one the bottom left of the Filemaker block.

[eva01]

Or those emails you got from iTunes about the hurricane

[dejo]

Meanwhile, at Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/)... nada.

[mad jew]

The scale of the tsunami was a bit bigger though. Plus, (putting cynical cap on) it's always much better publicity to advocate charity for lesser developed (exotic) countries compared with helping your own. :(

[Abstract]

Why don't you write about all the companies who didn't say anything about it?

[mojohanna]

The scale of the tsunami was a bit bigger though. Plus, (putting cynical cap on) it's always much better publicity to advocate charity for lesser developed (exotic) countries compared with helping your own. :(

The scale may have been bigger, but the point is that this is here.... in your own country. Part of the reason why things were so bad with the tsunami was the fact that it was lesser developed countries without the building codes etc. IMO that does not change the fact that human suffering is human suffering.

[mad jew]

The scale may have been bigger, but the point is that this is here.... in your own country. Part of the reason why things were so bad with teh tsunam was the fact that it was a lesser developed countries without the building codes etc. IMO that does not change the fact that human suffering is human suffering.


I know exactly where you're coming from but I'm a little more cynical. I don't think Apple put the link to the tsunami stuff up to help the victims directly so much as to come across as a helping and friendly company. Sure, a bit of it would have been about the actual victims, but not all that much.

Purely from a marketing perspective, it looks great to be helping third world countries (over there) rather than helping first world countries (over here). From a utilitarian point of view, the tsunami victims needed help more than the Americans do now. I'm not advocating this in the least, but like everything on Apple's front page, it's all about the marketing. It sucks though.

Oh, and for the record, I live in Australia, not America. :)

[PlaceofDis]

The scale may have been bigger, but the point is that this is here.... in your own country. Part of the reason why things were so bad with the tsunami was the fact that it was lesser developed countries without the building codes etc. IMO that does not change the fact that human suffering is human suffering.

yes, and Apple actually are doing more than most companies out there. Anything is better than nothing. Although i do admire Walgreens right now, my mom works for them, any of the Walgreens down around New Orleans have been instructed to take in any Walgreens employees and help out as needed free of charge, and they are matching any employee donations. Might not be much either, but what do you expect.

[Lacero]

C'mon Apple, get after it!!! Do the right thing.So what are you doing to help?

[mojohanna]

So what are you doing to help?
I don't think I need to be called to the carpet, but if so, I have donated blood and my wife and I have been talking about how much we can afford to give. Additionally, we have gone through our closets and our kids and are trying to figure out how we can get about 4-5 large bags full of clothes to people that need them. It may not be much but as others have said every little bit counts.

If I am going to be called out and ask what I am doing, I am curious to know what you may be doing.

[ham_man]

The Missing Bite is donating 10% of all of its September sales to the Red Cross. Very nice of them, I think...

[plinden]

I don't think I need to be called to the carpet ...

Well, you were the original poster who seemed to be trying to make some sort of point - not entirely sure what it was, perhaps that Apple is unAmerican or something?

If you comment on this, expect to be called out on it.

And before you ask me, I haven't done anything yet. Having lived in Ireland and the UK through the 90s, I'm not allowed to donate blood. I expect I'll just have to donate money or something.

[clayj]

Meanwhile, at Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/)... nada.Actually, there is something on the home page for Microsoft... a news link right in the middle that says "News: Hurricane Katrina: How you can help the survivors".

[oldschool]

i myself will be donating nothing. Why should i donate money for that which your government should supply. The US government and FEMA in particular have budgets big enough to deal with this type of disaster. They just aren't responding properly or promptly.

[XNine]

I don't think I need to be called to the carpet, but if so, I have donated blood and my wife and I have been talking about how much we can afford to give. Additionally, we have gone through our closets and our kids and are trying to figure out how we can get about 4-5 large bags full of clothes to people that need them. It may not be much but as others have said every little bit counts.

If I am going to be called out and ask what I am doing, I am curious to know what you may be doing.



You could do more than thaaaat. Give your children to work in a camp where they will build new homes and pass buckets of water back over the levees.

[EJBasile]

Well, I would expect more companies to start having things where you can donate money like apple is doing.

I am proud to say I have donated $1250 to the american red cross because of this incident. I would donate my medical help, but the situation sounds a little dangerous down there according to the media. I also went to an armory in CT where Jodi Rell (governor) has requested people donate items that will be flown down to New Orleans (TONIGHT) via a company that has donated the use of its cargo planes. I also donated 10 cases worth of Poland Spring bottled water from cost Costco. Each of those 10 cases had 35 bottles of water, so I donated 350 bottles of water.

[EJBasile]

Google has a link too to donate money.

[mac-er]

The problem is that they have started a precedent...with 9/11, the tsunami, and now any diaster...they will be expected to put something up on the main page.

And, this is an American company. And this is a major American disaster....so it they should put something up. Quite frankly, any country should put its own first (in terms of humanitarian aid...we are all the same as far as rights...so no flames).

[Abstract]

Apple didn't really do anything last time, and they're doing about the same this time. Giving the disaster a mention on the main page isn't doing much good. Its a gesture that's more like advertising than anything else, so yes, I agree with Mad Jew on that one. If Apple donated money or something to the cause, then THAT is something. In the big wide world, Apple's main page is nothing, so I think some of you are making a big deal over nothing.

And unless you're doing something yourself, don't complain that others aren't doing anything.

[Henri Gaudier]

What a bizarre notion! Why not take some money from the billions and billions you spend on occupying the rest of the world and creating ever more sick weapons such as blinding lazers & microwave weapons and redirect it to your own needy?

I half wonder whether or not - Wovoka, the Paiute Messiah's prophecy is finally coming true. Hoka Hey?

[iMeowbot]

Apple are a major Red Cross contributor. Of course, they contribute regularly, not only when a disaster makes it fashionable, so I suppose that doesn't count.

[redAPPLE]

Meanwhile, at Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/)... nada.

off-topic: have you guys seen that music player on the m$ homepage? that thing is huge. could it be a cd player?

[Counterfit]

i myself will be donating nothing. Why should i donate money for that which your government should supply. The US government and FEMA in particular have budgets big enough to deal with this type of disaster. They just aren't responding properly or promptly.
Right, because a couple billion will be enough to feed the half million or so in New Orleans alone, never mind rebuild the entire area. Andrew caused 23 deaths in the United States and three more in the Bahamas. The hurricane caused $26.5 billion in damage in the United States, of which $1 billion occurred in Louisiana and the rest in south Florida. The vast majority of the damage in Florida was due to the winds. another link (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml#andrew) This was bigger than Andrew, and flooded almost all of New Orleans. I doubt the insurance companies are even going to bother really assessing the damage. "**** it, just start over guys".

So tell you what, next time something happens in your country, I just might not donate anything, because "your government should supply it".




Ass.

[rdowns]

I put a statement and links to various relief organizations on my company web site as soon as I got into the office on Monday. Sadly, my competitors sent out emails with promotions to buy and they would donate $10 for each sale. I thought that was disgusting, using a tragedy to stimulate sales.

[Abstract]

Right, because a couple billion will be enough to feed the half million or so in New Orleans alone, never mind rebuild the entire area. another link (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml#andrew) This was bigger than Andrew, and flooded almost all of New Orleans. I doubt the insurance companies are even going to bother really assessing the damage. "**** it, just start over guys".

So tell you what, next time something happens in your country, I just might not donate anything, because "your government should supply it".




Ass.

If it was a poorer country, then sure, as they don't have the funds or infrastructure to rebuild entirely on their own in disasters of this magnitude.

However, the US........well, they could use some help in terms of manpower ---- doctors, nurses, equipment, etc. However, in terms of money, any financial contribution is just a token. The US has enough money to take care of it, and seeing as how they are/were spending ten$ and ten$ of billion$ per month in Iraq, I'm sure they could do something to help their own people for once.

[mojohanna]

What a bizarre notion! Why not take some money from the billions and billions you spend on occupying the rest of the world and creating ever more sick weapons such as blinding lazers & microwave weapons and redirect it to your own needy?

I half wonder whether or not - Wovoka, the Paiute Messiah's prophecy is finally coming true. Hoka Hey?
Easy there fella. If the US chose not to respond to the tsunami victims people in the rest of the world would scream bloody murder that the US isn't doing their part. As for the French, don't get me started.
Just because the US may be the richest country does not excuse others from helping out and showing support for a country that has given so much in the past. I had grandparents who sacrificed quite a bit about 70 years ago. If it weren't for them and hundreds of thousands more like them from many other countries, you my friend, may not even be calling yourself a Frenchman.

Don't give me the richest country BS....


As I said, don't get me started. I feel very passionately about the contributions that generation made to this planet and the lack of respect that they are receiving. As more of them pass it gets worse.

[mojohanna]

Right, because a couple billion will be enough to feed the half million or so in New Orleans alone, never mind rebuild the entire area. another link (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml#andrew) This was bigger than Andrew, and flooded almost all of New Orleans. I doubt the insurance companies are even going to bother really assessing the damage. "**** it, just start over guys".

So tell you what, next time something happens in your country, I just might not donate anything, because "your government should supply it".




Ass.


Could not agree more!!!

[plinden]

Easy there fella. If the US chose not to respond to the tsunami victims people in the rest of the world would scream bloody murder that the US isn't doing their part.


Despite the help the American people donated, the first response of the American government was nada, then a couple of days later they offered $400,000. Only when people called them on that did they increase direct aid, and even then it was only just about twice what the Irish government donated (3.5 million people, GDP about 1% that of the US)

Anyway, here's a link to a news item about offers of support from around the world: http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/09/02/katrina.world/index.html

Now will you stop whining?

[thequicksilver]

Easy there fella. If the US chose not to respond to the tsunami victims people in the rest of the world would scream bloody murder that the US isn't doing their part. As for the French, don't get me started.
Just because the US may be the richest country does not excuse others from helping out and showing support for a country that has given so much in the past. I had grandparents who sacrificed quite a bit about 70 years ago. If it weren't for them and hundreds of thousands more like them from many other countries, you my friend, may not even be calling yourself a Frenchman.

Don't give me the richest country BS....

As I said, don't get me started. I feel very passionately about the contributions that generation made to this planet and the lack of respect that they are receiving. As more of them pass it gets worse.

See, this attitude annoys me. The poster you replied to made a post which you didn't agree with, but then you brought in the WWII thing. Why? It's 60 years ago and irrelevant. I could easily claim that you wouldn't be speaking English if the British hadn't come to America way back when, but, again, it's irrelevant. Mistakes were made by pretty much everyone in WWII… and of course the US, France and Britain allied with Communism to help save themselves. I could also mention that France actually sold the old area of Louisiana back to the USA for a sum worth $193m in today's money, an amazingly small price considering the area, so were it not for that… etc etc etc. This, though, is completely irrelevant to this situation.

What has happened here with Katrina is horrendous. Only the heartless would fail to feel anything but extreme sympathy, and I extend my condolences to anybody on here who has experienced this first hand. But perspective is needed. To coin a phrase, **** happens everywhere, every day. It is, however, undeniable that of all the countries in the world, the USA will cope better than any other would with this - it is, after all, America's ability to bounce back from bad situations which has made it it the world superpower it is today.

Which is why I, personally, as an Englishman, feel that the USA will cope just fine from governmental fundage and the generosity of American citizens from donations. This was clearly not the case with the Indian Ocean tsunami, and certainly is not the case with the horrendous African AIDS situation (the one international cause I personally have donated to and will donate to due to the chronic lack of attention it is getting) that is seeing it almost become the norm as opposed to the exception.

This situation doesn't need Apple's attention to attain the funding it needs. In time, the affected states will cope just fine, and bounce back stronger than ever before.

[XIII]

Well, on apple.com, there is a button there for donating through the iTMS, and it is there all the time now..

[Hemingray]

Some of the people's responses on here are truly amazing. Some people will always be apathetic as long as it doesn't happen to them. Well, for those of you who think that, I hope the next natural disaster happens to you. And the rest of us will still be here, donating to save YOUR ass.

Get with it. Join the rest of the world and just HELP OUT for once!

[thequicksilver]

Some of the people's responses on here are truly amazing.

Completely agree.

Especially this one:

Well, for those of you who think that, I hope the next natural disaster happens to you.

[Anonymous Freak]

All, I find this very curious. Back when the tsunami's took place Apple almost immediately posted a message and links clearly on the home page. It is frustrating to me that Apple has not done the same for those in the same desperate need right here in their own country.
Now is the time to make a statement and leave an indellible (sp?) impression on the the country as a company that is compasionate about its citizens and frankly some of its customer base.

C'mon Apple, get after it!!! Do the right thing.

The Tsunami was a very quick, immediate, unexpected event. One minute everything's fine, the next 100,000 people are dead. We knew it was a terrible disaster only hours after it happened.

Hurricane Katrina was known about for some time. There was evacuation time. On top of that, the worst damage wasn't known for days after the hurricane had passed through. When it's not 'OH MY GOD! LOOK AT THE INSTANT DEATH AND DESTRUCTION!' it's not as compelling. This was more 'Yeah, it's a hurricane...' then 'Wow, New Orleans looks bad...' THEN 'OH MY GOD!' separated by days.

[oldschool]

Right, because a couple billion will be enough to feed the half million or so in New Orleans alone, never mind rebuild the entire area.
So tell you what, next time something happens in your country, I just might not donate anything, because "your government should supply it".




Ass.

no need for name calling. Your country didn't accept foreign aid, why should it accept donations from private citizens? The most the red cross has raised as of yesterday is 17 million dollars...that's not nearly enough. The congressional 10 billion dollar bill for FEMA will cover the rescue and relief. Come on you must realize that the country has more than enough money, and a few measly donations by private citizens aren't the answer. The aid did not reach those in need quick enough, and as a consequence the death toll is in the thousands. The american government should be embarassed.

[Abstract]

Well, for those of you who think that, I hope the next natural disaster happens to you. And the rest of us will still be here, donating to save YOUR ass.

Get with it. Join the rest of the world and just HELP OUT for once!

Yes, but again, ask your government why they don't help their own people. I think you're criticizing the wrong people. Your government is leaving people helpless and stranded, and we're looking at Apple's front webpage. We're looking at other countries. Other countries HAVE donated. Even Sri Lanka has donated money, even after their Tsunami disaster. Your own government hasn't done nearly enough before AND after the incident.

So ask YOUR government to join the rest of the world and help out. They haven't done nearly as much as I have expected, and are probably getting a lot of flack for it. I do expect a lot more help to come from them, but at this point there hasn't been enough aid.

[Counterfit]

no need for name calling. My words are rather tame compared to what you'd be called if you told someone from New Orleans the same thing you posted here Your country didn't accept foreign aid, why should it accept donations from private citizens? The most the red cross has raised as of yesterday is 17 million dollars...that's not nearly enough. The congressional 10 billion dollar bill for FEMA will cover the rescue and relief. Come on you must realize that the country has more than enough money, and a few measly donations by private citizens aren't the answer. The aid did not reach those in need quick enough, and as a consequence the death toll is in the thousands.
Ever hear the phrase "It's the thought that counts"? Did you even read my entire post? Andrew caused $26.5 billion, and this time, New Orleans is underwater, the entire region is basically ****ed. $10 billion is NOTHING, especially considering that's you should listen to this (http://www.zen41771.zen.co.uk.nyud.net:8090/WWL-AM%20Interview%20Nagin.mp3).
The american government should be embarassed.
I can tell you that I'm embarrassed, that you can't even imagine what it's like there. Heck, I know I can't and I've been through a hurricane. A Cat. 1 is more than enough for me.
And now, New Orleans is, well, we might as well consider it gone, because it's never going to be the same again. Farewell Dixieland, you will be missed.

[Koodauw]

Your own government hasn't done nearly enough before AND after the incident.


Come one, GW sent in men with large guns! Thats the solution to everything right?

[oldschool]

My words are rather tame compared to what you'd be called if you told someone from New Orleans the same thing you posted here
Ever hear the phrase "It's the thought that counts"? Did you even read my entire post? Andrew caused $26.5 billion, and this time, New Orleans is underwater, the entire region is basically ****ed. $10 billion is NOTHING, especially considering that's you should listen to this (http://www.zen41771.zen.co.uk.nyud.net:8090/WWL-AM%20Interview%20Nagin.mp3).

I can tell you that I'm embarrassed, that you can't even imagine what it's like there. Heck, I know I can't and I've been through a hurricane. A Cat. 1 is more than enough for me.
And now, New Orleans is, well, we might as well consider it gone, because it's never going to be the same again. Farewell Dixieland, you will be missed.

first of all, that 26.5 billion dollar figure was not what FEMA spent on the Andrew disaster. It was what was needed to help rebuild...the insurance costs and whatnot. The price to FEED AND HYDRATE the stranded people, and get them out of harms way is much less. They need medical help, and they need water, and food, and they need it now. My donation to the red cross will do ******* all.

The thought counts? Sure, but thoughts and prayers aren't going to help these people, and neither are the token amounts people may donate to the red cross.

The search and rescue team from my province, a world reknowned team, was dispatched to help with rescue efforts. Your government's homeland security, however, decided to keep them out of the country. Congratulations.

I can tell you that I'm embarrassed, that you can't even imagine what it's like there.

Where did i indicate that? I'm expressing my rage that people weren't in there faster. That people weren't evacuated before the disaster. I'm pissed off, and i'm pissed off for the people of new orleans, for the people stranded in the convention center without water, and the people at the airport without medical attention. Tons of cash was poured into emergency response after 9/11, now can you tell me where it is? What if there were a terrorist attack leaving thousands stranded without water or food? Would the government be prepared for that?

The people of NOLA would NOT be mad at my words, they would be thankful. They realize that it's not foreign donation that is needed but FAST, EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY RELIEF.

Next time think before you type. And don't call me an ass.

[oldschool]

oh i already heard the mp3 at the link, and if you would listen to it and comprehend it, you'd realize that it completely supports my views.

Go ahead and donate. Maybe i'll donate, but the money will not WILL NOT get to the people immediately so what good is it for rescue and recovery and medical operations??? CAN YOU TELL ME??! Maybe it's useful later, as shelters need to be set up, as people need to rebuild. Then yes, but right now all thats needed is for people to be saved. They need their most basic requirements taken care of, and that's not presently happening.

[Henri Gaudier]

Easy there fella. If the US chose not to respond to the tsunami victims people in the rest of the world would scream bloody murder that the US isn't doing their part. As for the French, don't get me started.
Just because the US may be the richest country does not excuse others from helping out and showing support for a country that has given so much in the past. I had grandparents who sacrificed quite a bit about 70 years ago. If it weren't for them and hundreds of thousands more like them from many other countries, you my friend, may not even be calling yourself a Frenchman.

Don't give me the richest country BS....


As I said, don't get me started. I feel very passionately about the contributions that generation made to this planet and the lack of respect that they are receiving. As more of them pass it gets worse.

My criticism of America was one of Foreign Policy and was not aimed at the fellow in the street, who despite the veil of "Democracy" is politically impotent. As are we all within the confines. However, your response was an attack not only on the French people but also an assertion that we haven't the right to criticise as we owe you something because we are relatives of someone from 60 years ago!

If you have such a moral eye you must have been distraught at the demonising of the Russians in the post war years - seeing that they made the biggest contribution to the struggle to over throw Hitler? A man and his policies to whom America was ambivalent to until Japan forced your hand. After a tidy 2 years of profit of course.

Equally, If we are to be held responsible for our forefathers you must be selling up and returning your land to whichever tribe was murdered to get it in the first place? Oui?

Squaw Killer!!!

Did your relatives make a valiant contribution in the genocide of a continent? Still proud of your relatives? Feel a little shackled? Want the responsibility?

As for Americas contribution to the victims of the Tsunami it was roundly condemned as meagre. One of the worst per capita donations of any nation.

Americas contribution to the world? That ended in 1945.

[mojohanna]

My criticism of America was one of Foreign Policy and was not aimed at the fellow in the street, who despite the veil of "Democracy" is politically impotent. As are we all within the confines. However, your response was an attack not only on the French people but also an assertion that we haven't the right to criticise as we owe you something because we are relatives of someone from 60 years ago!

If you have such a moral eye you must have been distraught at the demonising of the Russians in the post war years - seeing that they made the biggest contribution to the struggle to over throw Hitler? A man and his policies to whom America was ambivalent to until Japan forced your hand. After a tidy 2 years of profit of course.

Equally, If we are to be held responsible for our forefathers you must be selling up and returning your land to whichever tribe was murdered to get it in the first place? Oui?

Squaw Killer!!!

Did your relatives make a valiant contribution in the genocide of a continent? Still proud of your relatives? Feel a little shackled? Want the responsibility?

As for Americas contribution to the victims of the Tsunami it was roundly condemned as meagre. One of the worst per capita donations of any nation.

Americas contribution to the world? That ended in 1945.


I would love to respond to this but this is beginning to to way off topic. There are all sorts of opions, feelings and emotions here. Better left alone at this point in time. You and I can agree to disagree I guess.