Very interesting post by a now former Apple employee on why he left the Cupertino mother ship. Interesting to note Jens' perspective on Apple's employee blogging policy. Or lack thereof. Perhaps it's no wonder that one of my best friends and long-time Apple employee told me I had big balls for starting this blog.
One of the fundamentals of Apple's remarkable marketing is "one voice". Very few executives get to speak out on Apple - lest they go off message - and consequently Apple maintains a very well crafted public face and simple positioning that helps generate lift. I remember back at Avid; my entire executive team marveled at how well every event Apple put their name on was simply perfect. Cookie-cutter, but consistent. I personally invested in expensive web conferencing software to help all the various worldwide sales teams follow Avid's corporate messaging playbook.
(Full Disclosure: I'm now working for a company that creates free, open source web conferencing software that puts the $85,000 I spent to shame.)
Apple takes its controlled messaging to a whole different level these days. They don't create pretty data sheets (even PDFs), they produce little polished collateral (outside their Pro Apps division), and have eliminated much printed documentation from the product. It's just a few press releases, a few keynotes, immaculate package design, their friendly stores, and a website.
And all us bloggers do their viral marketing for them. Apple, it's time to open up and let your employees blog free! We can use the help.
