An open letter to Steve Jobs on the shutting down of Think Secret

Hi Steve,

I have been a Mac lover ever since my dad bought me my Mac Plus back in the mid-80’s. I have watched the company wax and wane, and really admire what you personally have accomplished in returning to Apple. I love my iPhone, my MacBook Pro, and have successfully convinced a number of my friends, family, and faculty members at the university where I work to switch to Mac. Needless to say, they are all ecstatic, and every single switch went very well.

I’m writing, though, to call you out on shutting down Think Secret (www.thinksecret.com). As I’m sure you know, Think Secret is a Mac rumors site that spilled some official Apple announcement (I can’t even remember what it was specifically) before it was time, and Apple filed a lawsuit. According to Think Secret, a settlement has been reached, and Think Secret will be shut down.

I understand the importance of Apple’s announcements being delivered on schedule when planned and only when planned. I remember an ordeal with ATI a few years back where they spilled a secret the night before your MacWorld keynote (I believe). I know it is essential for the company to operate this way.

But Think Secret is an independent media company run by Nick dePlume, a college student. I’m sure you would agree that a big corporation shutting down a small time independent media company is at least a little bit wrong.

Not that it makes a difference now, but I wanted to let you know that I am disappointed in Apple’s behavior on this one.

Sincerely,
Liam