I cringe everytime I see a new rumor regarding Apple and some sort of ad supported business model. For example, here’s a rumor promoted by Valleywag:
Apple will soon run loads of Google ads on its online properties, according to an outside source.
That’s part of Apple’s plan to break into online advertising. In a deal that should bring in several hundred million dollars off the bat, the company will run ads, most notably on its iTunes store.
Rright. Stick to Hot Girls of Google competition, Nick. Here’s one from a Newsweek (I guess they must need traffic):
Last week Jobs showed only a menu item that pulls in movie trailers, but when you open up your iTunes library, you can also listen to bits of new music recommended by the iTunes store. Is it possible that when iTV ships next year, you may also be able to choose a menu item called Google Video, and then zip through the best of the thousands of user-submitted videos on the search giant’s service?
Quick retort (before my extended rant below): No. There’s no chance of that happening. And our final submission is from happy go-crazy land (no offense intended – I love gigaom):
As most know, with the exception of iTunes, Apple has been a laggard when it comes to the web. But buying YouTube, Steve Jobs could leapfrog to the top of the heap. After all, he would end up with immediate presence within the ranks of the top 50 web properties (one that’s still growing at a rapid clip).
A recommendation that was, surprisingly, seconded by Bloggingstocks.
Ok. Here’s a little truth about Steve Jobs. He hates ads. And amateurish crap. Steve Jobs’ design sensibilities extend to every one of his properties, be it the iPod or .Mac. That’s why Apple’s web property is walled off and there are design restrictions. Even though the site design tools are marketed with simplicity in mind, a primary driver for the restriction is that Mr. Jobs does not want people zuning around with the overall OS X, .Mac, iPod, or iTV design aesthetics.
Go check out the podcasts – how many amateurish podcasts are listed? Most of the podcasts are from mainstream producers – the ones that get through are extremely polished and professional. What’s on Front Row? Professionally made movie trailers – can you imagine a 79 year old man from UK ranting about his life fitting in within that design construct?
It’s not that Steve Jobs is against creativity – I am sure he loves it. Its just insane bat-crazy weird crap that he’s against. You know, the type that dominates YouTube. Ads on iTunes? Hah! This is yet another huge difference between Apple and Microsoft. Microsoft will pursue every avenue of cash flow without nary a second thought regarding its tastefulness. Apple’s brand will not allow it to pursue every, I am sure lucrative, revenue opportunity – especially if its not, for a lack of better word, classy.
Does this mean that Apple has no ambition to be a top web property? No. Not if it means compromising on taste or class. Clearly there are other opportunities to dominate using the web infrastructure – the upcoming Team Server, .Mac sync etc. are all part of that. But don’t expect ads on iTunes. Or some dude playing a composition of Johann Pachelbel on his guitar.
