If we had somebody here that was an expert on the automobile industry, in particular with regard to say, Ford, would we not benefit here with that person's insight on the automobile industry and Ford in particular? Or would there be a similar subset of individuals like yourself, who will go through enormous effort to undermine and attack that individual?
There is a similar ping list that puts a focus on Microsoft and their products. I find that a valuable service as well. Even though I prefer Apple to Microsoft, I do not go to the Microsoft threads to attack or disparage those people. In fact, I find the information valuable as I like to keep up with the Microsoft world as well.
While I am inclined towards Apple products, it does not bother me one bit that others might prefer Microsoft. I see no need to "convert" them to Apple because if they are happy with their Microsoft products, then bully for them. I am happy to let them decide for themselves which computing platform they prefer.
Now getting back to Apple and the current brouhaha over the stock price, it's so much ado over nothing. Why is it so important to you that the rest of us see it as Apple "failing" as opposed to a market correction based upon false expectations? In the end, why does this matter to you so much?
Speaking for myself, I see the stock price decrease as a blessing in disguise. As I put "x" amount aside each month to purchase Apple stock (among other stocks), the fact that the Apple stock price is lower allows me to purchase shares at a faster clip. And I am betting on Apple for the long term with my own money so if Apple does continue to perform well in the years ahead, owning the extra amount of stock will serve me well (dollar cost averaging). If indeed I am wrong and Apple stocks continue to slide and the company performance falters, then I will start selling Apple stock and cut my losses. I've done it in the past with other companies such as HP, Wal-Mart, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In some cases, I ended up regretting selling my shares because the stocks eventually recovered and I lost out on an opportunity. Other times, I made out like a bandit. That's the way it goes in the stock market. You make your best educated guesses and see what happens. But I don't take it personal and I don't get all worked up if somebody else out there disagrees with my premises.
Here is the point of contention:
“So we have an Apple enthusiast among us who takes the time to put together a ping list so that others who are interested in Apple and its products can be kept informed.”
No. He is not interested in keeping you informed. He is interested in PROMOTING Apple, period. There is a difference between posting articles of interest and ensuring the conversation only trends to the positive. The exception to this, of course, is when he will post pointers or fix schedules regarding vulnerabilities that have been discovered. (Or articles on why you shouldn’t be worried.) It’s corporate message management 101 and he’s the professor. I suppose if you are interested in being schooled by someone who has Apple’s best interest always at mind instead of your best interests, then his type of social marketing is your cup of tea. Me... I’m not falling for it.
A guy like dayglored, on the other hand, displays a level of critical thinking and objectivity that most conservatives can appreciate.
Imagine if Swordmaker’s posts were about Starbucks Coffee - a company that also hates conservative principles. Now go back and look at the manner of posts. Would you feel the CONSTANT corporate cheerleading for Starbucks was appropriate for Freerepublic?
I’d just like to see... you know... some minor semblance of objectivity from our fellow conservatives on a conservative forum. Or corporate cheerleading. Take your pick.