Greedy Apple

OK, first of all, the title and the content of this post was supposedly about my current working relationship with my director. However I can't help it. They want grab as much as money possible to prove their high-flying stock price. (Hell, I would buy Apple stocks before they go off with rumored new Video iPod and iPhone in coming months.) But for Apple/Mac users, that means coughing up more money as if Apple hasn't charged enough for their 'premium' products. Yeah, so average Apple users are wealthier and more educated and more professionals than PC users, yadiyadiyada. But that doesn't mean they should take advantage of their loyal users who supported them last few years of OS X and Intel transitions.

So, I'm editing this short film with a NYU grad director. It's the first time I'm actually working with a director over fine points of edits to enhance narrative potentials of the film. I used to work with editors, as an assitant editor, or producers who were also editors/shooters. So it's new, learning experience for me to actually interface with the director on personal and creative level while I edit on FCP.

My director just got new shiny MacBook--They are undoubtly fast, almost comparable to my G5, with new Universal version of FCP. Yes, that means I have to upgrade my FCP programs regardless of the fact that I actually own Intel based Mac or not. It doesn't give me any benefit except I can exchange project files with my director, regardless I plan to get Intel Mac in future. I am NOT getting Intel Mac until they release Desktop version and new FCP version. I doubt the programs overall are stable regardless of what Steve and Apple people claim because even Apple doesn't get 1.0 right. However, I got no option but spend money so I can work with my director.

The thing is, I have to submit an online form to crossgrade-Apple marketing is innovative, my foot! There's no simple option to just buy and download instantly, like many upgrade options are delivered in these Internet days. I'm on tight deadline. It's 2am in the morning, and I have to work with my old project file that doesn't pertain the latest edit from my director. Great. I'm just hoping I can go to an Apple store tomorrow and pick up a box after giving up my FCP DVDs. If not, this project is officially delayed.

I'm beginning to think Apple is no different from Microsoft in their quest to profit. Sure, they make nice products, but ultimately, they are a capitalistic enterprise in quest to control our computing environment to make money. Microsoft gets the bad rep because of their size and monopoly over the market. It's no secret that every computer software company wants to reign like Microsoft. Think what Apple would be like if it had Microsoft share of industry control while they are like this with only less than 5% of market share.

I'm venting obviously, but I come to expect Apple to "think different" and try to service their loyal customers, making different kind of softwares and hardwares to ease life, instead of thinking us as a revenue stream. I don't think I can tolerate another Microsoft in this industry before I become disgust and throw myself to 100% open source. There's a reason, one of many reasons, why Google is getting higher valuation than Apple with their infamous "Don't be Evil" motto and innovative softwares that make people's life easier. Yeah, so I think there's should be more of this before Apple begins to gain bad reps with small tipping points like this.