Union Square Venture analyst, Andrew Parker, wrote a quick opinion about Steve Jobs's liver transplant related to distinguishing between the rights of shareholders, the media and public individuals. You can read the post from his blog The Gong Show here and below.
I agree with Andrew that Apple said enough in Jobs taking a leave of absence and that any further intrusion into the specifics go beyond the 'right' of the media and shareholders. There is certainly debate on both sides as to whether the public and the shareholders should have known the specifics.
I, however, fall on the side that by announcing a leave of absence, Apple explicitly stated that Jobs was not running any aspect of the company - vision or otherwise - and the shareholders could make their decisions accordingly.
Now, to be perfectly candid and in the interest of full disclosure I am a dogmatic defender of the 1st amendment BUT I absolutely abhor gossip shows, celebrity followings, paparazzi and other such information. That means nothing, of course, as those items are extremely popular amongst many, including my wife and neither I, nor anyone, have the right to refuse them their public discourse.
I can, of course, complain about them and plot their demise which is my ultimate goal.
I mention it here for 2 reasons:
First, that I believe artists (celebrity or otherwise) would be better served in controlling as many outlets for their craft, brand, life as possible. By letting people in through the multitude of conversation and communication tools available across digital & mobile communities, those who are victims of the paparazzi culture can go on the offensive instead of constantly being on the defensive.
Second, I would like to reaffirm the fact that it is essential for any artist, personality, brand to keep a keen eye on all places they are mentioned. Any of us with the slightest opinion have the ability to share it and, thankfully, that is not going away. In fact, it is accelerating as all data suggests.
Moreover, for those companies and individuals that create content and support brands, it is essential that you work cooperatively with those who like your content, not against them. I believe creators will find they foster a better fan & consumer relationship, and will ultimately earn more revenue by including those of us who consume content in as much of the process as possible.
Take control of your life by opening on YOUR TERMS through new tools, and keep the TMZ's and Perez's on the sidelines by offering what they cannot.
We will all be better off!
After three days of ducking the press — and telling the Wall Street Journal that Steve Jobs was not listed as a patient there — Methodist University Hospital in Memphis finally admitted Tuesday that Jobs did in fact receive a new liver at their transplant facility.
From a Fortune article on Steve Jobs.
I find this introductory paragraph absurd and completely representative how invasive the recent Steve Jobs’s health media blitz has been. Methodist University Hospital did *not* “finally admit” anything. A better way to phrase Methodist University Hospital’s statement is they “Violated HIPAA.” Steve Jobs’s health is none of our business, and there is a whole world of legislation that intends his privacy should be respected.
What is our business (as public shareholders) is the effect of his health on his role at Apple, and Apple has been forthcoming with that information. We were told when to took a leave of absence, and we were informed about realistic expectations of a return date.
The actual details of his health is his personal matters which are legally protected and should be properly respected.
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