Photo of Steve Jobs' Biography Cover, Back, and Some Details

[blue22]

spot on...

Actually, it is.

I still find it shocking how many people just don't get it. I suppose they are the same types who are responsible for the dumbed-down, group-think, designed-by-committee products out there today. While I haven't studied Steve in depth, and he is not some sort of hero to me, I can readily see that Steve, and Steve alone, is responsible for EVERYTHING that Apple has become. In the hands of a Bill Gates or any other automaton business drone, Apple would have withered away by now, overrun by other bland, uninspired companies.

Steve has a VISION, and is uncompromising about it. Steve has often contradicted entire teams of engineers and designers who wanted to dilute or overcomplicate products and forced them to do it "his way". The thing is, his way is often a model of uncompromising genius in design, form, and function. He has a vision of what the product should look, feel, and perform like, and he sticks with it, regardless of how many people tell him it can't be done. The only reason that Apple products are THAT thin, THAT high quality, THAT elegantly designed, is because Steve demanded it.

Yes, reports indicate that he has often been derisive and abrasive in his championing of a singular vision of Apple products. But without his determination and, yes, assholishness, we wouldn't have the remarkable, revolutionary products we have today.

So, yeah, it is Steve.

Well said. Some people simply lack perspective while often also being stuck in that fanciful utopia of theirs.

 

[Shrink]

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Not many people on this earth that has changed as much as Jobs. That's something to admire and study.

Possibly mild hyperbole, but granted that he has been a remarkable and interesting person, whose accomplishment are worthy of study. That said, he can be all of that, and still an ***hole. They are not mutually exclusive.

It seems that any post that expresses anything less than drooling reverence is going to get lots of -1's. Jobs may be a genius, but he is not a god. Blind hero worship is kind of sad.

Admire him, respect him - but do not genuflect to anyone.

 

[AppleScruff1]

This is one to get as a hardcover and save for future generations, going to an incredible read.

People will probably hand it down from generation to generation, like a family bible.

 

[blue22]

it looks fine the way it is...

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What's wrong with asking for things to look good and be designed well? That book jacket is just plain uninspired.

I agree that the book cover is somewhat plain, but I disagree that it's uninspired, just the opposite: Steve Jobs is all about "less is more", and the book jacket echoes that philosophy of his perfectly.

Besides that, for all those that are poo-hooing the lack of copy on the backside, have you not heard that a picture is worth at least a 1,000 words? That picture on the back doesn't (nor should it) need any text to explain itself.

Lastly, for those arguing for a completely plain backside free of an image, to supposedly "fit in better with Apple's design aesthetic" you sound like an arm-chair designer and clearly you lack a basic understanding of how the publishing world markets their hardcopy products; if the book doesn't have copy (front or back) then IT MUST have an image present to help it sell and appeal to it's target audience. Period.

 

[Veinticinco]

Apple is curing cancer if curing cancer utilises a user-centric computer, regardless of who made the machine, its a legacy, in part, from Apple's technologies, vision and drive. These are quality attributes of the co-founder.

You actually believe that drivel you've written there don't you?

Apple obviously isn't curing cancer, but if those supposed to cure cancer worked and motivated as SJ does, then cancer would have already been cured by now. But you can compare core human qualities and here is where Jobs excels.

Ditto above. As an oncologist heavily involved in clinical development, I actually find that deeply insulting.

As for his "core human qualities" I think most people would agree that's an area where his Asperger-like "assholishness" (as an earlier poster put it) lets him down badly. The guy is an uncompromising visionary and whip smart CEO but to deify him is ridiculous. You can be all those things and still be a decent human being, it is possible.

 

[iSayuSay]

I dont know about this. But to me, the young Steve really looks like

Now if he took same path as this guy .. well I think we'd see a very very different Apple today

 

[AwakenedLands]

Never thought someone else's ego could make me vomit until right now. At least he has his wealth.

 

[Veinticinco]

Possibly mild hyperbole, but granted that he has been a remarkable and interesting person, whose accomplishment are worthy of study. That said, he can be all of that, and still an ***hole. They are not mutually exclusive.

It seems that any post that expresses anything less than drooling reverence is going to get lots of -1's. Jobs may be a genius, but he is not a god. Blind hero worship is kind of sad.

Admire him, respect him - but do not genuflect to anyone.

Echoes my own posted thoughts exactly. Well said.

 

[mrtravel123]

I need help. I was hoping to buy a book on Steve Jobs this year. But, I don't know if I can wait until next year. I really need it now. Should I buy now or wait until next year when a better book comes out?

 

[Veinticinco]

people will probably hand it down from generation to generation, like a family bible.

Ha ha

 

[mactmaster]

pre-ordered! should be a good read

 

[AppleScruff1]

Apple obviously isn't curing cancer, but if those supposed to cure cancer worked and motivated as SJ does, then cancer would have already been cured by now. This is what one should admire (I guess) on Jobs. Yes there are great people and minds out there, but only a few can stand out and actually be able to change and/or affect our lifes. SJ is already one of those that do.
Just comparing different science areas is silly, each one has a purpose. But you can compare core human qualities and here is where Jobs excels.

This is one of the most absurd things I have read on this fourm.

 

[accessoriesguy]

did he ever not wear those black turtle necks?

 

[Lone Deranger]

This is one of the most absurd things I have read on this fourm.

Evidently you're not in the habit of reading back your own "contributions"..... hm?

 

[blue22]

sounds mildly jealous & slanderous to me...

Possibly mild hyperbole, but granted that he has been a remarkable and interesting person, whose accomplishment are worthy of study. That said, he can be all of that, and still an ***hole. They are not mutually exclusive.

I'm just curious, but have you actually met Steve Jobs in person? Have you worked for him or have you had any personal interactions with him?? I'm guessing, most likely, no, you haven't. And if not, then how do you know if he's actually an "***hole" like you're claiming him to be? Maybe he is, and maybe he isn't, but that's not the point here that's disturbing in regards to your rhetoric above: that regardless of what the popular public opinions maybe be of this man that's it's okay to overtly slander someone whom you don't even know, and all just to tell some so-called fanboys in this forum that they shouldn't idol worship. Seems like you're just getting carried away with your (assumingly) good intentions.

It seems that any post that expresses anything less than drooling reverence is going to get lots of -1's. Jobs may be a genius, but he is not a god. Blind hero worship is kind of sad.

I agree 100% with your assessment to not blindly worship anyone (Gods or even mere mortals) but this statement of yours comes off a bit condescending to those who are mainly just enthusiasts of Apple products and attribute a lot of their affection of these products to one of the main symbols of their brand enjoyment via open praise of the company's founder Steve Jobs. What's so bad about this? No one is getting hurt in the process, so what's the problem?! Relax.

Admire him, respect him - but do not genuflect to anyone.

Again, I think you're just exaggerating and double-dipping your personal angst against the "fan" crowd of Apple/SJ with your blanket statement here. People are free to admire/worship whomever they wish, so long as it doesn't intentionally put others in harm's way, right? I believe one can express their opposing viewpoints on any given subject without resorting to patronizing tactics. Otherwise, you become just what you're seemingly railing against: elitist.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Evidently you're not in the habit of reading back your own "contributions"..... hm?

No, they just flow off the top of my head.

 

[blue22]

irony at it's best...

I need help. I was hoping to buy a book on Steve Jobs this year. But, I don't know if I can wait until next year. I really need it now. Should I buy now or wait until next year when a better book comes out?

Hilarious!

 

[skoorbevad]

Speaking of curing cancer... Apple has to be doing something amazing -- seriously, how is Jobs still alive? I mean, just how much Gelfling blood is left?

 

[SmileyBlast!]

Looking forward to this one. Also really liked The Steve Jobs Way: iLeadership for a New Generation

 

[Doctor Q]

The publisher describes the biography as being based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years. Meanwhile, hundreds of interviews were also conducted with family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues.

I hope they read everything at Folklore.org too.

 

[Macboy Pro]

Actually, it is.

I still find it shocking how many people just don't get it. I suppose they are the same types who are responsible for the dumbed-down, group-think, designed-by-committee products out there today. While I haven't studied Steve in depth, and he is not some sort of hero to me, I can readily see that Steve, and Steve alone, is responsible for EVERYTHING that Apple has become. In the hands of a Bill Gates or any other automaton business drone, Apple would have withered away by now, overrun by other bland, uninspired companies.

Steve has a VISION, and is uncompromising about it. Steve has often contradicted entire teams of engineers and designers who wanted to dilute or overcomplicate products and forced them to do it "his way". The thing is, his way is often a model of uncompromising genius in design, form, and function. He has a vision of what the product should look, feel, and perform like, and he sticks with it, regardless of how many people tell him it can't be done. The only reason that Apple products are THAT thin, THAT high quality, THAT elegantly designed, is because Steve demanded it.

Yes, reports indicate that he has often been derisive and abrasive in his championing of a singular vision of Apple products. But without his determination and, yes, assholishness, we wouldn't have the remarkable, revolutionary products we have today.

So, yeah, it is Steve.

This is why you would be called a Disciple of Jobs. If you think Steve Jobs is why Apple is what Apple is today, then you need to take blinders off. Does he contribute in a big way? Yes, BUT... Do you think the iPhone, iPod, iMac, Macbook Pro, Time Capsule, OSX, IOS, and iPad were Steves idea? NO. I am sick of the Jobs worship. When I look for a great leader, I do not see one that is a jerk to his employees, arrogant in public, and condescending to his customers. I look forward to new leadership at Apple, if for nothing else but the hope for this image of Apple to go away.

No disrespect intended, just giving you my opinion.

 

[backinblack875]

This is why you would be called a Disciple of Jobs. If you think Steve Jobs is why Apple is what Apple is today, then you need to take blinders off. Does he contribute in a big way? Yes, BUT... Do you think the iPhone, iPod, iMac, Macbook Pro, Time Capsule, OSX, IOS, and iPad were Steves idea? NO. I am sick of the Jobs worship. When I look for a great leader, I do not see one that is a jerk to his employees, arrogant in public, and condescending to his customers. I look forward to new leadership at Apple, if for nothing else but the hope for this image of Apple to go away.

No disrespect intended, just giving you my opinion.

ummm do you not know that steve saved apple from going under when they brought him back after choosing sculley?? so yes, it is because of him that apple is what it is today

 

[dtshaw82]

Why?

Surely the book will come packaged in plastic so you can "experience"opening it. The book will have 1 page only, then say. Steve, Sent from my iPad.

 

[daveathall]

Looking forward to the Kindle edition.

 

[blue22]

just some food for thought...

ummm do you not know that steve saved apple from going under when they brought him back after choosing sculley?? so yes, it is because of him that apple is what it is today

This.

Also, the article below is worth considering as a general rule of thumb of the dynamics often found in corporate environments:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/BUSINESS/08/16/money.and.meanness/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Here's some quotes from the article:

"'Niceness' -- in the form of agreeableness -- does not appear to pay," the authors conclude starkly.

...

In other words, nice guys earn less.

...

"You have to be ruthless in the corporate world," said Farhana Qaosar of Sydney. "If you have a weak spot or dare to show it, people will take your advantage. That's how it is. You don't succeed because you know more but because you can adapt."

Just something to think about next time people want to deride a person's character flaws strictly on the grounds of not living up to a perceived ideal set of model character traits you have for them, and mainly deriding that person via past reviews, but not through tangible, direct AND current day assessments.

Also, I'm not suggesting that being disrespectful in general to any insubordinates/staff is morally acceptable, it's not, but being "strong minded" and open about it shouldn't be distorted into simply being "a mean person" either.

Nonetheless it's still interesting to note how prevalent this "successful" character trait is in the real world within those that have achieved a lot of "critical mass" in their lifetime.