On Gruber, Apple Watch, and Fanboyisms (opens in new tab)

(medium.com)

1 pointsjavipas11y ago5 comments

5 comments

5 comments · 2 top-level

ZeroGravitas11y ago· 2 in thread

Is building Veblen goods for tasteless oligarchs really "fashion"? He's right that it's certainly not "tech".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veblen_good

He says it's not tech, and then he calls it a computer. That makes no sense to me. Of course it's a Veblen good, something Ben Thompson has discussed in Stratechery...

http://stratechery.com/2014/apple-watch-asking-saying/

zimpenfish11y ago

I think conflating "tech" and "computer" isn't necessarily true these days. My Garmin watch has a very sophisticated computer inside but I'd not count that as "tech" particularly. Similarly my printer, scanner, TV, etc.

Tomte11y ago· 1 in thread

This is basically "I disagree with him, and wish he'd tone down his opinion piece. His lack of hedging words makes his article too powerful, and I wish I had the same effect on my audience".

That's neither insightful, nor contributing anything to the Apple Watch debate itself. It's just meta-attacking.

Aside: "You should read back your articles before publishing them, Mr. Gruber" certainly applies to the author, as well. I know he's not a native speaker, but a quick spelling check is easily done by software.

javipasOP11y ago

I don't see this as a meta-attack, and imho it is interesting to point out contradictions in anyone's opinions (including mine, of course). I think Gruber makes some valid points on several ocassions, but the post is both my view of his opinion (which is also an opinion itself), and my view of the Apple Watch.

Fair point on the spell check. Just did it now, I hope it is a little bit better written now. I try to do my best, but you hit a nerve there ;) Thanks!

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

5 comments

5 comments · 2 top-level

ZeroGravitas11y ago· 2 in thread

Is building Veblen goods for tasteless oligarchs really "fashion"? He's right that it's certainly not "tech".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veblen_good

javipasOP11y ago

He says it's not tech, and then he calls it a computer. That makes no sense to me. Of course it's a Veblen good, something Ben Thompson has discussed in Stratechery...

http://stratechery.com/2014/apple-watch-asking-saying/

zimpenfish11y ago

I think conflating "tech" and "computer" isn't necessarily true these days. My Garmin watch has a very sophisticated computer inside but I'd not count that as "tech" particularly. Similarly my printer, scanner, TV, etc.

Tomte11y ago· 1 in thread

This is basically "I disagree with him, and wish he'd tone down his opinion piece. His lack of hedging words makes his article too powerful, and I wish I had the same effect on my audience".

That's neither insightful, nor contributing anything to the Apple Watch debate itself. It's just meta-attacking.

Aside: "You should read back your articles before publishing them, Mr. Gruber" certainly applies to the author, as well. I know he's not a native speaker, but a quick spelling check is easily done by software.

javipasOP11y ago

I don't see this as a meta-attack, and imho it is interesting to point out contradictions in anyone's opinions (including mine, of course). I think Gruber makes some valid points on several ocassions, but the post is both my view of his opinion (which is also an opinion itself), and my view of the Apple Watch.

Fair point on the spell check. Just did it now, I hope it is a little bit better written now. I try to do my best, but you hit a nerve there ;) Thanks!

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse