Apple subpoenas Mac websites

Apple subpoenas Mac websites

“Hey, MyMac, why don’t you guys cover the rumors? Those articles sure do get the hits!”

I was asked that question not a few times over the last decade. I have always said, “Because I honestly believe it hurts Apple and the Macintosh community.” When pressed for a reason why I think so, I usually spout off about buyers not purchasing something they would have all because of unfounded and untrue rumors. And how many of the Mac rumor sites simply make up stuff just to get the hits. And, of yeah, when a particular rumor is spread, and it turns out false, some Mac people actually get angry with Apple. With APPLE! Not the site which made up or propagated the bogus rumor, but with Apple. Unbelievable.

So recently a few Mac sites, including AppleInsider.com, PowerPage.org, and ThinkSecret.com have been subpoenaed to disclose the source of a rumor of leaked product from Apple. Apple wants to know whom is either selling or disclosing their trade secrets, and I can’t say I blame them. (Apple)

You can read the entire happenings at The Mac Observer.

Like I really needed another reason to stick to my “no rumors” philosophy. But if I did, this would be it. And before any of you start spouting “freedom of the press” that does not apply here. It has been upheld in court that reporting on these sorts of rumors, which are not news of any kind, has a detrimental effect on a company, thus is not protected by freedom of the press. It is not opinion nor news, but the spreading of possible illegally obtained information (breaking a NDA) or knowingly false information.