As Brian points out, Apple supporters have failed to discuss the topic at hand, i.e. my opinion that Apple needs to engage social media themselves. Instead, they’re simply pointing out what things Apple does well and throwing insults.

“By the way, Apple doesn’t even take part in their own forums, but I do understand they employ a number of people that know how to read and they apparently do so.”

“Apple has its own customers to participate in blogs and the like on its behalf.”

“As a matter of fact Jobs himself engages them twice a year through his keynote speeches at Macworld and the Mac Developers’ Conference”

“I assert that they get social media quite well. In fact, they get it so well, they have created a huge repository that champions the Apple message: iTunes + Podcasts.”

———————

Engagement – Requires TWO sides to interact. This can be facilitated through social media channels.

Apple is simply negating any interaction. Keynote speeches are one sided. Apple forums are one sided. Itunes and podcasts, thats not even either, was a bit confused when that was brought to the table.

“Apple is to social network as Coca Cola is to distribution in convenience stores.

Are there ANY convenience stores open that doesn’t sell Coke or wouldn’t think of selling Coke?”

Here is a prime example. As of late, apples rep got a little tainted with the Ipod pricing, and have not done much to amend.

Coca Cola is a staple as you said, I bet if a store took Coca Cola of its shelves you would see some Coke reps negotiating with the store owners to get them to sell it again. They wouldn’t sit on the asses waiting for some coke fans to come in the store and complain about it not being on sale anymore.

—————

If this is all you guys have to bring to the table then it is clear that Apple needs help. They simply cannot rely on their fans to be their only means of communicating with the public.

As for the rest, you are the one with the big headlines saying “Why it needs to repent”. That implies pretty strongly that you believe that they need to adopt what you’re telling them to do. What credentials do you have to tell Apple that they’re doing it wrong?

Apple is highly regarded as one of the best marketing companies on the planet. The success of their marketing speaks for itself. Look at the adoption rate of the iPod – the fastest uptake of any electronic device EVER.

Apple doesn’t do social marketing the way you want them to. Big deal. That doesn’t make them inept or incompetent.

And, no, that’s not accusing you of Apple bashing. It’s simply pointing out the fact that saying that Apple is incompetent at marketing is ridiculous.

I have a different opinion on what they’re doing than you do. That no more makes me an Apple fanboy than it makes you a Microsoft fanboy or Dell freak.

There’s no need for labels beyond “two adults that disagree.”

I’m sorry I can’t carry on a spirited conversation with you. Adieu.

I’m glad you went back and read my post. Did you also see where I said…

“…Apple would soon need to embrace social media and join the conversation.”

You, like many other Apple fans/employees seem to be just too touchy about any attack on Apple. I agree totally that Apple has a great fan support and employees that spend time leaving comments on blogs – but at some point–which I predict to be in 2008–that approach will start to be stretched too thin. Then Apple will have to engage officially.

I hate to sound snarky, but you seem to be overlooking the giant podcast resource it has become.

To be more concise, Andy, in my opinion you expose the answer to your own question without even realizing it.

Q: So, why doesn’t Apple embrace social media?

A: It’s simple: Apple’s customers embrace social media on behalf of the company.

That’s exactly the genius of it; Through podcasts Apple employs, free of charge, a plethora of evangelists and provides them their pulpit.