Omerta
Sheesh–sometimes I forget how many people actually read this stuff. Now that Robert Scoble and Daniel Jalkut have taken notice of my decision not to go ahead with my CocoaRadio interview, I feel compelled to offer some further context.
First, to address Scoble’s comment, I wasn’t ordered by Apple PR not to go through with the interview–I was simply reminded by a higher-ranking colleague that Apple has certain procedures employees are supposed to go through before talking to “the media,” and that I had not gone through them. So, to be clear: I was not “officially” shut down–I just hastily did what I thought was prudent in light of what I was hearing.
Second, to address Jalkut’s criticism: yes, I did silence myself. I do appreciate his appraisal of my legal situation, however, I would remind him that Apple is an “at will” employer, and as such, may terminate me without providing any reason (as long as it’s not related to age, sex, national origin or disability). I’m not saying that would necessarily have been the result of me going through with the interview, but I think it’s important to note that the legal protections he describes would probably not apply.
The issues involved in my giving an interview to Blake are complicated. I would argue that I wouldn’t have said anything on CocoaRadio that I wouldn’t have also said on my weblog, and that the interview would actually have been beneficial PR for Apple. I planned to tell the story of how I became a Mac developer (which I think could be very inspirational to aspiring shareware authors), what it takes to develop a successful Mac app, why the Mac is a great platform to develop for. I would also argue that what I would have done there was no different from what Apple employee/former indie developer Eric Peyton did by appearing on a panel for Evening at Adler. Essentially, I’d be talking enthusiastically about my personal interests. Unfortunately, my personal interests overlap pretty strongly with my employer’s, and my employer has policies (and cultural aversions, I might add) about employees being too visible in discussing Apple-related matters.
That said, I’m not really sure what I’ll do now. I may try going through the prescribed chain of command to get permission, but I’m not sure that would be worth the scrutiny it would bring me. Most likely I’ll just maintain the status quo, and continue walking the fine line I’ve been walking for years now.
November 9th, 2005 at 8:54 am
As usual, the complexity of the situation becomes clearer after a day passes and more details are revealed. You make some great points, especially about the double-edged nature of the “at will/right-to-work” environment in California.
I guess part of my reaction was based on failing to recognize that CocoaRadio, in addition to being just some guy who talks to people about nerdy Mac things, is in fact a part of “The Press.” That’s still funny to me, but I guess that’s my old grandpaish view of the world sneaking in.
Anyway, I appreciate the difficulty of your situation and I hope you can come to a good resolution. One tradeoff working (I think) in your favor is that if Apple actually decided to terminate your employment shortly after a hotly debated decision to do a CocoaRadio interview - you and CocoaRadio would become insanely famous overnight. “Apple Employee Fired for Podcasting.” I’m pretty sure they’ll avoid that headline at all costs.
November 9th, 2005 at 10:21 am
I don’t envy you — it must have been a tough decision to make. (It sounds like it was the right decision.)
My hope is that Apple will start to become more open about stuff like this. Your appearance on CocoaRadio would have been good for Apple and would have been interesting for us listeners.
Perhaps, like water wearing down a stone, the web will slowly wear down Apple’s barriers. (I think it’s happening already, just that it’s slow.)
November 9th, 2005 at 2:49 pm
He would become famous overnight, but it might not pay the rent. In any case, Buzz, it’s probably a good call for now - I know I was looking forward to hearing your story, and I imagine a ton of other people were as well.
We’ll have to settle instead for reading your weblog, and playing with the next version of Soundtrack Pro.
November 11th, 2005 at 6:27 pm
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