While this reaction is definitely understandable, I think along similar lines of some others here that someone that busy just doesn't always have time for a verbose response. "OK" may have been exactly what he had time for, and if that were the case, I'd say his response was likely sent faster than it would have been if someone had asked him an interesting but less urgent message.
Of course, as with everyone else's opinions... this is 100% speculation.
I have the same like-or-hate reaction, though for a different reason: This sort of thing encourages the irrational hero worship that Jobs fostered while he was alive and that's only grown in some circles after his death. Yes, this story shows that he did something good for someone. Once. And I'm sure there are other similar anecdotes. But the takeaway here will not be "this is something that Steve Jobs did that was nice," it will be "OH WOW STEVE JOBS WAS A SAINT."
But the takeaway here will not be "this is something that Steve Jobs did that was nice," it will be "OH WOW STEVE JOBS WAS A SAINT."
And that, sir, is what we call the fundamental attribution error. But I feel it applies more to everyone than just Jobs. If you showcase a positive action, it'll be assumed as part of a personality. And I seriously doubt anyone would be spreading bad things about Steve Jobs, because he actually was very intelligent and all that lot. The only person I'm aware who was appreciated during life and hated afterwards is Edison, and that's only 100 years after the fact.
I'm more disturbed by the fascination that we as a species have with gadgets. I think that was a totally-chill-but-perhaps-not-especially-saintly thing for Steve to do.
> I'm more disturbed by the fascination that we as a species have with gadgets.
It has always been this way. Humans like physical objects. Maybe your particular love is art. My Grandmother's was salt and pepper shakers. Some people love bikes.
Things with motion or reactions tend to grab more attention. Computers were amazing in this regard. The iPad and other touch tablets really blow the doors off. Sit down and talk to a car or motorcycle guy/girl about the time they got it working when no one thought they could....
I'm actually quite happy with it. It drives those people to build better things or use them in ways others haven't thought of. It drives us.
// these days, Steve Jobs's response is probably the best I could do, anything added would just sound wrong
The iPad was a true innovation when it was released and even more so 3 months prior to its release.
To be able to experience a new invention so far before everyone else on that planet is a special experience. At least, I'd see it that way were I in her friend's shoes.
I'm obviously a bit simple if I'm willing to admit it - but I still feel like I'm in the future when I pull the iPad out the bookcase/bag/couch crack. It's a computer, its only a few mm thick, and its now!
Of course, as with everyone else's opinions... this is 100% speculation.
I have the same like-or-hate reaction, though for a different reason: This sort of thing encourages the irrational hero worship that Jobs fostered while he was alive and that's only grown in some circles after his death. Yes, this story shows that he did something good for someone. Once. And I'm sure there are other similar anecdotes. But the takeaway here will not be "this is something that Steve Jobs did that was nice," it will be "OH WOW STEVE JOBS WAS A SAINT."