New York Senator Charles Schumer writes open letter to Steve Jobs

[BladesOfSteel]

There is no ignorance about this issue. It is more about loyal customers who deserve to be treated with respect by Apple.
I love my iPhone 4 and I really don't want to return it but I have to because it is not working as Mr. Jobs promised during WWDC. I also think that AT&T is to blame in this as well. Maybe Schumer should have written an open letter to them as well because that is to who we pay the most for a bad service.

For all that is holy . . .

I just don't get this "loyalty" business.

Do you get certificates, or a pin to put on your lapel, every 5 years for your continued loyalty? Will you ever get anything that a Joe Schmo wouldn't?

Apple has sold hundreds of millions of iPods. millions of iPhones, millions of iPads and BILLONS worth of iTunes media, and yet people think they're special because they're a loyal apple follower?

Let me know when Apple starts to recognize those people.

rant over.

 

[Peanut207]

I ate at a restaurant in NY, there was a sign out front claiming the food was delicious however it most definitely was not. The manager gave me a refund when I complained, but do you think you could have your senator write a letter, because I'm going back soon and I just have to eat there again but I really need for the food to taste better. It's really not right for them to make this claim and I shouldn't have to go and find a different restaurant just because they failed to deliver as promised.

Here's a tip...stay the F outta NY! From what I recall, you said you're glad you don't live there and it's full of Idiots.

 

[zizo79]

For all that is holy . . .

I just don't get this "loyalty" business.

Do you get certificates, or a pin to put on your lapel, every 5 years for your continued loyalty? Will you ever get anything that a Joe Schmo wouldn't?

Apple has sold hundreds of millions of iPods. millions of iPhones, millions of iPads and BILLONS worth of iTunes media, and yet people think they're special because they're a loyal apple follower?

Let me know when Apple starts to recognize those people.

rant over.

That is why I started this thread DUH...I think that most of us here in this forum just want Apple to step up to the plate and admit that they goofed up!

 

[samcraig]

It's funny, your idea of fighting back is my idea of appeasement. You're using a "band-aid" (i.e case) and accepting what you call a flawed product. Apple doesn't care, for them it's just another unit sold.
Keep in mind these aren't red coats with muskets we're dealing with, these are corporations who are out to make money. So hit them where it hurts, and fire back with your wallet. If it doesn't work for you, return your phone, and have them sit on thousands of units of inventory. Believe you me, shareholders will not be happy come the next earnings call.
I guarantee a crappy balance sheet, will do a lot more damage than bloggers and senators firing out "open letters".

Exactly. This is a very competitive marketplace. No company, even Apple, will survive by ignoring issues with their products while their competitors catch up or pass them.

Yes.. clearly Apple doesn't care about the incredible amount of bad press they've gotten. Clearly this press conference is because of lack of sales or returns.

Are you reading what you're writing? The logic is fuzzy at best.

I told you - I asserted my "vote" for accountability by making sure Apple and the public new about the issue I had experienced and the response Apple gave me. Sorry if you don't see how that was advocating my rights as a consumer. Actually - I'm not sorry that would be not genuine. If you don't see how that was taking a stand, then you're very shortsighted and lack the big picture.

 

[MNkid]

I'd vote for him because he had the guts to say something to Apple ..

That's the problem. It's not his place to say anything. If you want to hurt apple return your phone instead of waiting for someone (government) to step in and punish them for you. Take responsibility for your purchase. It's also funny that Chuck is asking for transparency. The left doesn't know what that is. Its also weird that Chuck is going after a company that is NOT a union company. Weird.

 

[s8film40]

Here's a tip...stay the F outta NY! From what I recall, you said you're glad you don't live there and it's full of Idiots.

Well that's no reason why they shouldn't be held accountable, thats like you telling me I should return my phone if it's not working. I'm a consumer and I have rights.

 

[zizo79]

Steve Jobs sent me this: Hey IPhone 4 customer: buy the damn phone for $300, buy apps, buy insurance from us and then buy the bumper. Oh wait, you must buy the bumper if no you don't your iPhone 4 is as good an iPod. In case, you don't like the bumper, please make sure to never hold your iPhone with your left hand.
P.S: signal loss is "not an issue"

 

[Makaveliarts]

For all that is holy . . .

I just don't get this "loyalty" business.

Do you get certificates, or a pin to put on your lapel, every 5 years for your continued loyalty? Will you ever get anything that a Joe Schmo wouldn't?

Apple has sold hundreds of millions of iPods. millions of iPhones, millions of iPads and BILLONS worth of iTunes media, and yet people think they're special because they're a loyal apple follower?

Let me know when Apple starts to recognize those people.

rant over.

I agree. Never be loyal to someone that is making money off of you.

 

[MNkid]

Steve Jobs sent menthis: Hey IPhone 4 customer: buy the damn phone for $300, buy apps, buy insurance from us and then buy the bumper. Oh wait, you must buy the bumper if no you don't your iPhone 4 is as good an iPod. In case, you don't like the bumper, please make sure to never hold your iPhone with your left hand.
P.S: signal loss is "not an issue"

Doesn't sound like a good deal to me. If it were me I would tell apple to suck it and return my phone and never buy another app again. That will make them fix the problem or go out of business. Pretty simple when you think abut it.

 

[s8film40]

Doesn't sound like a good deal to me. If it were me I would tell apple to suck it and return my phone and never buy another app again. That will make them fix the problem or go out of business. Pretty simple when you think abut it.

But that wont work for him.

Apparently if you live in NY you either.

A. Are forced to do whatever Steve Jobs tells you to.

B. Are not smart enough to make decisions for yourself.

Hence they're need for consumer protection in this area.

 

[fuzzielitlpanda]

Pointless letter.

 

[bluenoise]

Yes.. clearly Apple doesn't care about the incredible amount of bad press they've gotten. Clearly this press conference is because of lack of sales or returns.

Are you reading what you're writing? The logic is fuzzy at best.

I told you - I asserted my "vote" for accountability by making sure Apple and the public new about the issue I had experienced and the response Apple gave me. Sorry if you don't see how that was advocating my rights as a consumer. Actually - I'm not sorry that would be not genuine. If you don't see how that was taking a stand, then you're very shortsighted and lack the big picture.

Apple screwed up in the PR department. That is clear. It still doesn't rise to the point of needing a senator to get involved.

I believe this whole issue is not as big as the coverage is trying to make it. What percentage of iPhone 4 customers are having such terrible performance that they're returning them? In other words, what percentage of iPhone 4s that have been sold have been returned? Does that number make it worthy of headline news?

Just like the launch of the iPhone generated far more press and hype than is warranted, so has its shortcomings. The media loves to build things and people up just so they can cheer their failures, too.

 

[zizo79]

But that wont work for him.

Apparently if you live in NY you either.

A. Are forced to do whatever Steve Jobs tells you to.

B. Are not smart enough to make decisions for yourself.

Hence they're need for consumer protection in this area.

You wish you lived in NYC...How do you know that anyone sent him letter for all we know hemmight have an iPhone 4

 

[Exinor]

Mr. Schumer probably wrote that in his spare (non-working) time. After all, he is a regular person after hours, and he too wants a working phone just as badly as any of us.

Anybody has a right to write to Apple (as evident by all the crazy e-mails people send Jobs). It just so happens that he is a senator.

 

[s8film40]

You wish you lived in NYC...

I know, then I wouldn't have to think for myself, If I wasn't happy with something my senator could write angry letters. You guys just don't know how good you have it there.

In fact I'm petitioning my senator to sue NY for being so much cooler and protecting their consumer so much better.

 

[MNkid]

You wish you lived in NYC...How do you know that anyone sent him letter for all we know hemmight have an iPhone 4

If he has an iPhone 4 he should return it and let the free market work. In fact he should do it to lead as an example to the rest of us.

 

[thatsmyaibo]

Those who think this was a waste of time, it wasn't. He often writes letters like this to try and improve consumer relations in America and I think it's great. I love Apple but their PR is horrible when it comes to discussing problems with their products. Could you imagine if all companies didn't want to fess up to shotty products?

 

[bluenoise]

Mr. Schumer probably wrote that in his spare (non-working) time. After all, he is a regular person after hours, and he too wants a working phone just as badly as any of us.

Anybody has a right to write to Apple (as evident by all the crazy e-mails people send Jobs). It just so happens that he is a senator.

I agree up until the part where it becomes an open letter shared with the whole world. How many of us "regular people" would have their open letter covered this much?

If it stops with the letter, fine. He is as free as anyone else to comment on the issue, even from his bully pulpit. He is not free to go further and do the "senator thing" and write laws and hold hearings on the issue, unless, of course, there are laws being broken.

 

[samcraig]

Apple screwed up in the PR department. That is clear. It still doesn't rise to the point of needing a senator to get involved.

I believe this whole issue is not as big as the coverage is trying to make it. What percentage of iPhone 4 customers are having such terrible performance that they're returning them? In other words, what percentage of iPhone 4s that have been sold have been returned? Does that number make it worthy of headline news?

Just like the launch of the iPhone generated far more press and hype than is warranted, so has its shortcomings. The media loves to build things and people up just so they can cheer their failures, too.

If it's not as big of an issue as the "few" who are experiencing the issue. Why a press conference? And why, as reported, does it appear that there will be a potential fix/recall. If nothing is wrong with the phone and only a small group of people have been affected - then surely that's overkill, no?

It's a PR mess. No doubt about it

 

[bluenoise]

Those who think this was a waste of time, it wasn't. He often writes letters like this to try and improve consumer relations in America and I think it's great. I love Apple but their PR is horrible when it comes to discussing problems with their products. Could you imagine if all companies didn't want to fess up to shotty products?

Other than with Apple products, how do you normally handle the purchase a "shotty" product? Do you keep it and complain bitterly? Do you send letters to the company and/or senators? Do you return it and, instead, get a product that suits your needs?

 

[fuzzielitlpanda]

Those who think this was a waste of time, it wasn't. He often writes letters like this to try and improve consumer relations in America and I think it's great. I love Apple but their PR is horrible when it comes to discussing problems with their products. Could you imagine if all companies didn't want to fess up to shotty products?

Has he written one to BP yet?

 

[edtorious]

"July 15, 2010

Dear Mr. Jobs,

The solutions offered to date by Apple for dealing with the so-called “death grip” malfunction-such as holding the device differently, or buying a cover for it-seem to be insufficient. These proposed solutions would unfairly place the burden on consumers for resolving a problem they were not aware of when they purchased their phones.

I look forward to Apple’s swift action on this matter, and once again laud Apple for its innovative efforts and service to millions of Americans.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer"

Thank you for pointing it out Senator. I don't want free bumpers nor changing the way I or millions of people hold their phones. We need a permanent fix.

 

[ChiliBlue]

Does anyone remember the days when people expressed their dissatisfaction with companies and products by not buying them, instead of hoping Big Government passes more laws and regulations against private individuals and companies?

Sadly, I do.

 

[dwsolberg]

I applaud Chuck Schumer for writing this letter and speaking out for the public as small as the issue may be. Just another example of why he's a great Senator.

The oil spill, homelessness, the economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, drug "wars" and gang violence, the human habitat being hurt by pollution, pensions disappearing all over the place with an increasing aging population, huge health bills, crackpot foreign governments with nuclear ambitions, and so on — all that, and you're happy that Schumer dares to speak out against Apple for bad reception when you hold a phone a certain way without a case?

I think we all would benefit from a sense of proportion about what's important

 

[Rhonen]

Other than with Apple products, how do you normally handle the purchase a "shotty" product? Do you keep it and complain bitterly? Do you send letters to the company and/or senators? Do you return it and, instead, get a product that suits your needs?

I sure do - my Xbox 360. But MS stepped up before Schumer got involved and extended the warranty to 3 years. Took a $1B loss. Not only did they admit fault, they fixed it with the customer. Perfect PR move.

Apple could learn from them.