OK, this time I really DO believe Steve’s OK
Above: Looks like we won’t be needing THAT sign anymore!
Apple today delivered a two-punch PR combo meant to finally put to rest any rumors about Steve Jobs’ health, or any plans he may have to leave Apple. First came a rare letter from Steve Jobs himself, which reads:
“Dear Apple Community,
For the first time in a decade, I’m getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.
I’ve decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.
Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause — a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.
The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple’s CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for
Apple first.
So now I’ve said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.Steve”
Pretty straightforward and convincing, if you ask me, and at this point, even if he were found to be lying, I think we all have to agree Steve’s making it clear that he wants us all to drop the health thing. It also puts to rest any rumors of Steve jumping ship in the near future.
Of course, since the media (ourselves included) can be pretty obtuse, Apple’s Board of Directors decided to release THEIR own official statement regarding Jobs just to drive the point home:
It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.
As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple’s CEO, you will know it.
Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board.
So there you have it. If Steve Jobs isn’t healthy, or decides to leave Apple, Apple’s Board is more or less telling us they will have to fake his death in a car accident.
But I think Steve’s OK.
Yay, stock go up!
And glad to hear steve is on the mend!
Andi,
Oh, that would be awesome… so very awesome.
-The Doc
Wouldn’t it?
I bought some stock when it fell down to $130 from the $200 mark, boy I wish the recession hadn’t veered its ugly head!
It’s a bit messed up that he even has to go this far. People act like if he died, Apple just wouldn’t tell us so as their stock wouldn’t plunge.
Year 2034 “No Steve is fine and active in the company. There is no specific reason why you haven’t seen him in 25 years.”
Hopefully he will get better and we will see him on stage again… not just for keynotes but for his intelligent and being the best CEO in the world…
i love how formal this guy is no title no last name not even a full name
next time my teacher tells me no foral person writes a letter like this i am sending it 2 her
Steve, he deserves the rest.
But he will not be coming back.
First the no macworld story
Then he bows out
Then no NEW products, all rumor sites had at least 40% of
rumors always correct, this time 100% wrong, translation,
the last great APPLE SECRET, new products come W/O
Steve at helm.
Then Hormone story
Now leave of absence.
This doesn’t sound right, he will not be coming back.
Steve, take your rest, and I hope you get and FEEL well soon.