Breaking Down What It Means to Be a True Fan
As the editor of TechCrunch, I’m often asked about our approach to covering the tech industry. Our readers know that we’re not just a blog that writes about the latest gadgets and trends; we cover tech from multiple perspectives. This post is no exception.
My Confession: I’m Not a Fanboy
As someone who’s been writing about tech for over 10 years, I’ve learned to separate my personal opinions from my professional ones. I have a confession to make: I’m not a fanboy. I don’t get excited about products just because they’re shiny or innovative. As a business reporter, I need to see substance behind the hype.
I’ve always been drawn to writing about companies that are changing the game, whether it’s through innovative technology or bold business models. Take Facebook, for example. When I was at BusinessWeek, I was one of the first writers to cover Facebook’s early days. Similarly, I’ve written about unknown companies from around the world that have a shot at building something big.
That’s what makes my job so exciting – finding and writing about companies that are making a real impact on the world.
The iPad: A Beautiful Toy or a Business Game-Changer?
But let’s talk about the iPad. As someone who’s used it extensively, I have to say that it’s an amazing product. It’s beautiful, intuitive, and fun to use. However, as a business reporter, I need to see more than just a pretty face.
The iPad has been hailed as a game-changer by many, but I’m not convinced. It doesn’t solve a core problem or make a significant impact on the business world. Until developers create killer apps that take advantage of its unique features, it’s just a beautiful toy.
Numbers Don’t Lie
A recent report from market research firm YouGov supports my view. The survey found that:
- 98% of iPad buyers own another Apple device
- 57% own two or more Apple devices
- 79% of non-iPad owners said they definitely or probably would not buy an iPad
- 21% of respondents believed the iPad was a "game-changer"
These numbers suggest that the iPad’s success is largely driven by its ability to appeal to existing Apple fans, rather than bringing in new users.
Apple: The Most Valuable Tech Company
As Apple continues to grow and become the most highly valued tech company in the US, it’s essential for developers, investors, and readers to understand the business implications of its success. Apple is priced at absolute perfection from a business point of view, with huge ripple effects for developers who make their living coding for Apple products.
Embracing the Fanboy Mantle
As reporters, we need to be objective and consider independent research when evaluating products and companies. When we abandon our critical thinking and become fanboys, we’re not doing anyone – readers, developers, investors, or even the companies we cover – any good.
In today’s media world, knowing how an author feels about a product is relevant, but it shouldn’t cloud our judgment as reporters. We need to remain neutral and consider multiple perspectives when writing about tech.
Conclusion
The iPad is a beautiful toy, but it’s not yet a business game-changer. As Apple continues to grow and dominate the market, it’s essential for us to understand its impact on the industry and its implications for developers, investors, and readers.
Let’s continue to write about tech with a critical eye, separating our personal opinions from our professional ones. That way, we can provide valuable insights and perspectives that benefit everyone involved in the tech industry.
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