Apple Culture vs. Microsoft Culture
The OS wars of the late 90s are over, companies once out to kill each other are now friends, and nothing is ever beige; we’ve gone through quite a transition, Windows 95 to Vista, System 7 to Mac OS X Leopard. But we still carried a uniqueness that is present today, even in new users for each platform. Every Mac user and every Window user has a little bit of something in them that makes them identifiable as a whole.
Being an Apple user myself, this part is easy. Whichever Apple user you ask, the casual, the fanboy, or the aged, you’ll get different responses depending on how they use a Mac; Apple means something different to everyone. I really became a Mac user in 2005, and it took a while for the initial shock to wear off. Compared to using Macs in 2000, when I didn’t even know that I was using one! Anyway, Steve’s Reality Distortion Field took a hold of me for a few months. I bragged to my dad and friends that the Mac way was the only way. For about 6 months I was the biggest Apple fanboy you’d ever meet. I eagerly awaited every keynote, following various live blogging events, and was quick to submit each new story to Digg only to be shadowed by the previous 20 or so before me. If Apple introduced something new I would’ve thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread and Apple was the first to do it.
Boy was I dead wrong. I even thought Apple was the first to put a Dual Core processor in a laptop. There is no definite answer why we all think Apple is the greatest company ever and Microsoft is Satan reincarnated (if we do), but my guess is it’s due to the hardware and software each company utilizes. Because of our small (but rising) market share we tend not to get some of the cooler things Windows users enjoy, such as games. But one thing we are accustomed to is a lot of things just working. Since we have very few products and options to accomplish something, whether it be designing a billboard or sending an e-mail, we’re used to having things work the way we need them to; the amount (or lack) of software/hardware to aid us in this doesn’t matter, everything just works, no need to have too many options.
With this we get a very limited view of things. Only certain technologies are introduced to us and we all rely on Apple to give us the really mind blowing stuff, which is something we’ve never seen before yet has been available for quite some time. It’s through what’s available that our basis of technology is formed, the Apple way of technology, that whatever Apple introduces must be the best. But as time goes on we eventually expand our views to embrace other realms of technology. The giddyness we get during a keynote eventually subsides, the joy we get in waiting for the Apple store to come back online and the happiness we get when we convert new users eventually wear off. Essentially we come off as snobby, selfish, and arrogant, only because some of our views are limited to what hardware and software is available in the Apple world, which gives us a closed perspective.
The Microsoft culture is different, but also similar, to the culture of Apple users. Most aren’t too savvy on how computers work running Windows, because it’s the only option they ever grew up with, even though simpler and more full-featured options exist. In a way it’s more simple than a Mac, and any other operating system for that matter. It all comes down to a user standpoint; if someone only ever grew up with a Windows-based platform, how hard do you think it’d be for someone who is technologically illiterate to switch. Yeah, it’d be easier to stick with Windows. These people, who know what Microsoft is and what it offers, are quite content with their computer configuration and are less likely to upgrade unless it’s done for them, such as their business doing it.
I’ve also noticed of Microsoft users that the more tech savvy ones tend to be more laid back and use their computer for what they need it to do, while enjoying simplicity and flexibility. They aren’t like some Mac users who herald CEOs as demigods and insist their operating system is superior. They don’t need to, because Windows is used by a vast majority of people, most of whom have no intention of switching. As mentioned earlier, the limited view of some Mac users comes from what hardware/software options are available. I believe the exact opposite is true with Windows users.
Microsoft has created a simpler and more friendly environment than Apple, while both attempt to create some sort of monopoly in the markets they try to enter. It’s easier for us if either of these companies make a monopoly but aggressively defend it. Electronics manufacturers will support the larger corporation or one who has more control over a market. This is evident in Apple’s stronghold on the mobile music/video player market and with Microsoft’s massive command of the operating system market. Since Microsoft is the more influential company in many areas, manufacturers will want to go with Microsoft. Because of this, tons of devices and software will just work and many options will be available.
There will be those who do not match up with this description as it’s incredibly hard to describe every aspect of an audience accurately. Nonetheless, this is only my observation of how users interact.
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Comments
Beeble, Beeble, Bubble Boy
Have you not realized by now that your standard answer to every single post is not offending but tiresome because it is boring. Boring, boring, stupid.
You as the main contributor of posts and offensive language together with a new staff writer —calling himself an IT expert having worked at MicroSoft— deleting an invisible file as proof the Mac is not intuitive, another one —IT consultant— arguing like hell against a principle I hammer in my students head —Mean, SD, percentages all need to be expressed with their unit— the founder advocating an alliance with Dell at the time dell realizes its business model doesn’t funtion anymore, and now this kid to whoom readers are not protesting for his views, but because no-one knows precisely what the hell he is talking about, you all make a fine bunch.
It has nothing to do with win against mac. It hasn’t anything to do with computers.
It has to do with rationality. None of these articles were “opinions” unless one consders “The earth is flat” an opinion that is as valid as the next thing.
APPLEMATTERS, take a break. This side is borderline. Already one writer apoligized for his irrationality by blaming the heat. I can understand that.
You have to clarify how this kid got his piece published. Or otherwise explain what is in the article. Pick the easiest.
And now I’ll create a new folder.
Perhaps this is merely a pathetic black ops attempt. Could a mentality so banal be anything more but a unthought out effort by a MSfanboy in the guise of an Apple Fanboy who is disheartened by Apple? Are we to choke up and experience the same insincere homesickness as we look across the meadow with longing at that place of unlimited solace called Windows?
The guy sounds so reasonable, doesn’t he?
Watch it, hitch. Vb and Ben don’t like it when you insult another...oh wait...that only applies when one insults one of their fellow fanboys. Nevermind.
Lemme just say that if you really had a problem with the redundancy of similar comments, you wouldn’t come to this site (or any other Apple fan site) at all. So let’s not pretend like that’s the problem when it isn’t.
If you can find an article on this site that effusively praises Apple and YET is as panned by this same bunch for the poor quality writing, then I will certainly take back my critique.
As always, I’d LOVE to be wrong about this. Knowing that people aren’t the brainwashed lemmings they come across as restores my faith in humanity.
It has nothing to do with win against mac.
Oh please. Who are you kidding?
On a positive note, and somewhat related to the MS vs Apple culture, I have to say I was VERY heartened by the Steve Jobs and Bill Gates interview at D5. Despite some digs here and there between them, the rivalry seems to have more or less ended long ago.
Particularly interesting was when Jobs said that he PURGED his company of the people who think like you guys do. That it’s MS vs. Apple. That there is any kind of OS war still going on.
Jobs found the attitude exhibited by the fanboys to be destructive, counter-productive, and ultimately futile. He was realistic and practical. And for once I couldn’t agree more with him.
You guys want boring? Stupid? Take a look at your selves and your continued war-mongering over a fruit-logo.
To Bubble Boy.
Never a person chose a more appropriate avatar.
The phrase It has nothing to do…, referred to the article. In fact I have no clue what it’s about.
I come here to read something interesting about Apple. But all I find are articles that question the mental state of the writers.
I cite Howard: BTW Just because I’m a staff writer doesn’t mean I have to be right!—(later) Sorry for raving on all weekend. It musta been the rain. We haven’t seen proper rain here for nearly a year.
I don’t mind a good debate, but in these articles there is no point to debate. I could aswell be talking to you.
What I object to is:
Hi I’m an IT expert, I deleted a invisible file totally clueless and now see what happened.
Hi Steve, I’m a the founder of a Mac site, now that Dell’s business model is collapsing shouldn’t you adopt it?
Hi Steve, I’m an IT consultant, if you only have 1% of the phone market as a goal you are an idiot.
Howdy readers, I’m a…euh…grown-up, and believe me Windows created the user friendly environment.
Hello there, I’m The Boy in the Bubble, I call everyone who uses a Mac an arse, except myself, because I have also a PC.
That is what Applematters means to me, that is what I expect coming to this site, and that is what I get.
You guys want boring? Stupid?
Actually no, that is what we don’t want. When we feel a need for it we always have you.
this kid to whom readers are not protesting for his views, but because no-one knows precisely what the hell he is talking about
There are sentences in this article I can’t actually do any better with than come up with theories as to what they might mean come at about a rate of two per paragraph.
Particularly interesting was when Jobs said that he PURGED his company of the people who think like you guys do. That it’s MS vs. Apple
The real problem with Beeblebrox’s repetetive comments is that he’s so fixated on a stereotype that he really has no opportunity to form an idea as to the people he’s talking about.
I for one certainly don’t think “that it’s MS vs. Apple”. I think its virtually always MS vs. what is ethical and good for the tech industry and consumer. But that Steve’s approach to Microsoft has been successful is unequivocal. However, we do not have to hold a position about MS that is favourable from a business perspective. We can simply decry what is foul about Microsoft’s business because we do not need to manage our partnerships and relations in the tech industry in a sophisticated way.
What came out so strongly in D was that underneath the civility there were enormous undercurrents. These are men looking in completely different directions. For one direction to win, the other must fail. But it’s not by working against MS that this could happen, but by moving positively in one’s own direction, which is what Apple sorely needed anyway.
Nobody here has expressed views that say “it’s MS vs. Apple”. Beeblebrox feels he is superior enough to infer that these sorts of things are what people think, when in actual fact he simply extrapolates from the most absurdly contrived stereotype and froths with anger at his imagined foes.
Should have read “The sentences in this article I can’t...”
I could think of a clever and witty excuse that might get a few chuckles about this article, I honestly thought it was good but I now realize, after reading the comments I was dead wrong. I hear you loud and clear and it’s evident I need to change my writing style a bit to please the readers. I apologize for the article and promise I’ll take what I can from the comments to improve my following articles on Apple Matters.
The way comments on this site ALWAYS go is:
Positive article on Apple products:
-People leave comments agreeing that they like the apple products
-Some people might leave comments bringing up negative points
-Beeblebrox raves at everyone for agreeing that the like the apple productws
-Comments degenerate into defending one’s namesake against Beeblebrox
Poorly written negative article on Apple:
-People complain the article was poor
-Beeblebrox raves at everyone for always slating articles saying bad things about Apple
-Comments degenerate into defending one’s namesake against Beeblebrox
The problem with this scheme is that I cannot remember a well-written negative article about Apple from the site.
If you can find an article on this site that effusively praises Apple and YET is as panned by this same bunch for the poor quality writing, then I will certainly take back my critique.
Since you are the one making a certain claim, that we are all a bunch of raving fanboys, the burden of proof lies with you. If you can find an article that is negative about Apple and is not poorly written, for which we the accused react in the way you accuse us of, then your critique will have a leg to stand on.
Otherwise, this comment proves nothing. You are trying to show that we indiscriminately praise articles that praise apple. To show that it is indiscriminate, you need to find us praising an article that is fundamentally flawed. You need to prove we would praise the article even in the case that the article was not praise-worthy.
In summary, in order to support your claim you must:
-Find an AM article that is negative about Apple and ‘true’ and show that we slated it in an indiscriminate fashion
-Find an AM article that is positive about Apple and ‘false’ and show that praised it in an indiscriminate fashion
Of course, as we are all aware, this philosophical approach can’t work in practise because to show either of these things incontrovertibly, you must first show that the article’s arguments either hold, in the first case, or do not hold, in the second case. I can remember occasions where we have had interesting discussions about whether the article does hold, but these are always interrupted as Beeblebrox declaims with absolute authority that everyone who disagrees with him is a raving fanboy.
The problem inflicting itself on all discourse on this site is that proclaiming of certainties. Whenever we truly try to discuss whether an article’s arguments hold, which happens only when the article makes intelligible arguments (i.e. rarely), Beeblebrox proclaims that people who present points in Apple’s favour are retarded Mac fanatic stereotypes and we come down to bickering about the minutiae of what we’ve already said. But without working through whether or not the article’s points hold, NOBODY CAN EVER EITHER SUBSTANTIATE OR DENY BEEBLEBROX’S CLAIMS.
All that we can be sure is indiscriminate on this site is Beeblebrox’s labelling with the MacTard stereotype of anyone who ever disagrees with him.
Tanner, thanks for being so mature, I’m kind of floored by it actually. I’d honestly like to see the article expanded on with examples. It does look interesting, I just don’t understand it!
I’ll see if I can get ahold of Wendy with an updated version.
The decline at AppleMatters is disheartening, at one time it was the first site I would visit, now it is dead last, and a hair breadth from being eliminated from my Bookmark Bar. Perhaps it should be renamed “The Beeblebrox Blog” considering his combined 2752 entries! That’s an awful lot of browbeating and Apple bashing, to what end I ask? His smug superiority and obvious delight in his intellectual prowess has tainted this site irrevocably. Meh…
Take a look at your selves and your continued war-mongering over a fruit-logo. --Beeblebrox, 2752 comments, AppleMatters.com
Hey guys, Hadley here and I have to chime in. First of all, if anyone seriously thinks the quality has been going down here I am sorry, and it is my responsibility. Writing week in and week out is very tough, and managing the quality of the work is tough too. I admit it. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we don’t.
What I want to promise you is that we take any claims of a decline very seriously, after all this is supposed to be the place of the best writing about Apple. However, I also believe part of the distate of behalf of people is that we take an objective look at Apple. We are not fanboys. We are ok with saying Apple has done something wrong, and that Microsoft does some good stuff. Afterall, didn’t Steve and Bill just sit down for a nice chat last week?
Anyhow, we are going to be going through a redesign and relaunch of the site shortly. One of the things I have been struglling with is....what is Apple Matters? What do you think it is, or should be.
Again, I want to apologize if we’ve let you down a little lately, we’ll do our best to pick things up again.
WAWA, it’s bad form to use folks’ honesty against them.
However, I stand by that comment, “...I don’t have to be right!”
The majority of what we write is opinion. The majority of what our readers respond with is also opinion. Opinion is not black-and-white; not something we can all agree on; and not necessarily right or wrong.
We don’t write to be right. If we did we’d just be pretentious oafs who wouldn’t allow reader comments.
We write to present new angles, generate discussion, and flesh out an idea. Our readers generally enter into these discussions with thoughtful and mature comments.
That’s what we appreciate most about our readers and why AM is still one of the better sites out there.
As we know, when comments become personal it’s hard to maintain a mature discussion. And for that - when I slipped up and labored a point and had a personal dig at you, WAWA - I apologized, and for that you now use it against me. It does discourage one from backing down in the future. I kick myself for getting personal, because to me it’s a sign of lack of reasonable argument. Arguments, not insults, should be enough to carry one’s point of view. (Every commenter on this site presents intelligent enough arguments that they don’t need to get personal.)
We aren’t perfect at AM. Facts we try to get right but will still make mistakes. Opinions, however, we aren’t always going to present that the majority agree with. No matter whether it’s in articles or comments.
Writing this stuff is not as easy as it looks. Even though I can write 1000/hr, nowadays I average (from start to finish including editing and proofreading) two hours work per piece (around 600 to 800 words). Sometimes that two hours can be labored over a couple of days. When I began two years ago it was taking at least four to six hours per piece. Some articles I’ve written have taken in excess of 10 hours. It took me a long time to accept that I didn’t have to be 100% right/correct/flawless and that it was okay to write something you guys could disagree with.
We do appreciate all you guys’ comments and look forward to your continued input and perspectives.
PS Tanner, one thing I try to do with longer pieces is break them up with sub headings. It helps both you and the reader stay on track.
Also, several years ago I wrote a children’s story where a cat had fallen down a well. Except (after the first draft) I didn’t explain how he’d gotten in the well. One of the kids in the story was saying “It’s my fault he’s in the well” but I didn’t say why. I knew, but the readers didn’t and they complained!
Sometimes we present ideas we just assume the readers will know what we’re thinking. However, it’s always safest to elaborate on them, whether it’s a cat in a well, or MS being simpler and more friendly than Apple. (Which if you mean what I think you mean, I’d agree.)