Apple events are interesting in many ways. We get to see the new products from Apple, obviously, but we also talk with other reporters and analysts about where the various markets are heading. For one New York Times reporter, Jack Nicas, it’s an opportunity to shame other people.
Here is Jack talking about the event on Twitter:
I don't see a problem with a tech company hosting a product launch. Most do it.
— Jack Nicas (@jacknicas) September 11, 2019
What's strange about Apple events: Many Apple bloggers act as fans, not journalists. One person in the media section literally gave Tim Cook a standing ovation; another cried during an Apple Watch ad https://t.co/bFbJ5QCmTE
Jack, I’m not a fan. I’m a blogger/journalist and have been covering Apple since 1994. I’m harsh on Apple when they deserve it and I speak out against bias bullshit when it’s needed. That’s not being a fan, that’s being truthful to your readers.
I didn’t see the person standing, so I’m not sure if it was a person from the media or perhaps an Apple employee. It could even have been someone from one of the companies that were demoing their products on stage and was really excited.
Contrary to what Jack says, there really is no “media” section in Steve Jobs Theater. There is the front where all of the VIPs sit, and there is the rest of the theater.
So maybe Jack isn’t being a complete asshole about the guy standing. However, his next remark proves what a complete dick Jack can be.
Apple showed a heart-wrenching Apple Watch ad that caused one reporter to cry. What does Jack do when he sees this?
Offer comfort? No, he takes to Twitter to shame her. Class act, that Jack.
However, the person that was brought to tears by the watch ad came forward. It was Ellen Cushing, a senior editor at The Atlantic. What’s that, it’s not just Apple bloggers that have feelings at Apple events!
i was the crying reporter sitting next to Jack. I was crying because it’s a video about people with disabilities overcoming challenges and also sometimes my face makes water whether I want it to or not?? https://t.co/RSNO4PPLWE
— Ellen Cushing (@elcush) September 11, 2019
Jack, being the hard-nosed guy he is, stuck to his guns. Joking, when he found out it was a reporter from another large news organization he folded so quick it would make your head spin.
I did not know that was you, Ellen! Apologies for any offense. As I noted later, it was an emotional ad and there's nothing wrong with crying!
— Jack Nicas (@jacknicas) September 11, 2019
And you are not an Apple blogger, so my tweet is wrong. And also: There is nothing wrong with being an Apple blogger.
Jack backed up so quick, his feet are in his ass.
In Ellen's defense, it is a tearjerker of a commercial and I am probably emotionally deficient to not have cried.https://t.co/PazqIpfXUR
— Jack Nicas (@jacknicas) September 11, 2019
Hey Jack, here’s a piece of advice for you. Before you call people down for, you know, being compassionate human beings (and bloggers), maybe you should take a look in the mirror and decide how you can be less of a complete total fuckhead.