Apple banning Facebook in all retail stores

[mklos]

I think that it's a pathetic decision.

I think anyone who goes into an AppleStore just to use FaceBook are pathetic people....

 

[mklos]

Why not just ban anyone under 18? They don't have any money to spend anyway.

The Apple Store would be a lot more pleasant shopping experience for me if it was just adults.

Say what? Yeah, lets just say piss on Apple's future customers. Children, you have to stay outside the store while mom and dad shop.

Screw all the potential iPod/iPhone sales, or the fact that some need help with their purchase or help after their purchase. Just because of the age of someone, doesn't make them any less than you. Its not like teens are coming in and vandalizing the store.

Jesus dude...think before you speak!

 

[bbotte]

My 2 year old daughter loves to play on the imac for kids in the store. Yes she can use a mouse at 2. It's one of her favorite stores.

 

[smooth]

My 2 year old daughter loves to play on the imac for kids in the store. Yes she can use a mouse at 2. It's one of her favorite stores.

When I picked up my MacBook, we were in the store a good 20 minutes at least before we walked out of there. My daughter was 3 at the time and had a blast on one of the iMacs. If we were at any other store for 20 minutes, I would have heard "Can we go yet?" a good dozen times.

It's interesting that one of the biggest compaints about Facebook is that its users are self-centered and delusional that their lives, photos, blogs, opinions, etc are more important and more interesting than anyone else's. Yes, I agree that with the teenage/young adult generation this is exactly the case - with Facebook and with daily life. But it's funny that so many people come on here expressing this opinion as if it is the only correct and logical opinion. All generations are guilty of this to some extent...just look at this site....

 

[hacksaw-C87]

Consider it the user's way of acknowledging his or her own shortcomings.

"I facebook" = "I provide information about myself on the Internet, but I rely on the lackadaisical privacy policy of a third party to override social conventions about information I distribute to or expect from others."

"I google" = "I search on the Internet from only one place, because I'm unaware of meta-search tools or domain specific search tools that are more likely to get me what I want. I measure reliability according as ordering of Google search results."

"I podcast" = "I make a video/audio stream available on demand while displaying an ignorance of or affinity for Apple's lawyer strongarming (over use of the three letters `pod'). This all reflects my lack of recognition of the history of Internet streaming media and of the open principles of the Internet in general."

"I blog" = "I write an online journal, then inflate its importance out of all proportion and make sure to use this broadcast medium - rather than thoughtful one-to-one conversation - as a channel for communicating with those whom I still dare to call friends."

The only relief is that "to Web 2.0" isn't yet a verb. I hate web apps, whether that's MobileMe's complex interface or this bulletin board (that doesn't mean I hate you or the board's content, dear sensitive reader, just the app). Use a suitable protocol for communicating the content and let people use dedicated clients suitable for the given application - so I can read all web boards in the same client, etc. The whole "but then you can use it everywhere" argument is nonsense - if Java/.net weren't such good ideas so awfully implemented then it'd be accepted practice to be able to run your set of efficient sandboxed apps anywhere by accessing your profile from any PC anywhere.

Here endeth my sermon on how the Internet should be. Tongue-in-cheek, don't kill me, etc.

I don't think I had ever given it that much detail but I agree with everything you wrote!

However, people who do use these sort of words probably look at people like me and think 'God, he speaks like he's out of the middle-ages' . I was powerfully miffed when 'to Google' was officially indoctrinated into the English language. Shocking stuff.

 

[hacksaw-C87]

I haven't experienced that at all. I use it as a way of keeping in touch with people - why would I "grow out of that?" Do people grow out of emailing each other or sending texts?

The convenience of emailing doesn't involve sending the recipient a status update reading 'Joe Bloggs is contemplating life/bored/hungover/struggling to put on his sock'. Equally, you don't have to troll your way through someone's wall, dodging your way around the 'Mystic Meg/Star Sign/Play this vampire game' applications, to send an email. This seems to be highly derivative to me.

You're absolutely right that, as a means of keeping in touch, it's of high merit. But why wouldn't you just use email/telephone or, to find people you have lost touch with, Friends Reunited?

 

[Plutonius]

If 30 mins is too long, fine. Let it be whatever.

But set a time limit. The problem is not FB.

If FB is banned, then they'll go to webmail. If webmail is banned, they'll go to flash games. If flash games are banned, then they'll go to forums. If forums are banned then they'll go somewhere else.

You end up banning the entire web.

It will also end unemployment. Apple will need to hire additional employees to log when someone uses a machine and when that person needs to get off the machine (i.e. a hall monitor for Apple stores).

I'm sure that will make the kids happy and give Apple a good name. It might even result in a few lawsuits against Apple for discrimination.

 

[RedTomato]

It will also end unemployment. Apple will need to hire additional employees to log when someone uses a machine and when that person needs to get off the machine (i.e. a hall monitor for Apple stores).

I'm sure that will make the kids happy and give Apple a good name. It might even result in a few lawsuits against Apple for discrimination.

Apple might just possibly be capable of figuring out a hightech 'Apple' 'cool' way of doing it without needing to employ more people.

[Looks around at the thousands of cybercafes and libraries and other access points that deal with this exact issue without needing to have a paid employee standing over you. Hmm.)

Your point?

 

[Plutonius]

Apple might just possibly be capable of figuring out a hightech 'Apple' 'cool' way of doing it without needing to employ more people.

[Looks around at the thousands of cybercafes and libraries and other access points that deal with this exact issue without needing to have a paid employee standing over you. Hmm.)

Your point?

You are listing two examples that aren't remotely similar to the Apple store. An Apple store is not a cybercafe or library. Apple doesn't charge for using the display computers or force a customer to reserve time on a display computer.

Someone sitting there monitoring the usage time will get people angry and will lead to discrimination suits and lost sales.

Your point ?

 

[pkagel]

Watching the kids play with Kidspaint was a pivitol factor in my spending the money on not only the program but the cables to hook up my MBP to my tv and buying a wireless keyboards and wireless mightymouse also. My daughter and her friends love spending time on the program and I don't have to worry about subjecting my new MBP to a spilled coke and whatnot.

My 2 year old daughter loves to play on the imac for kids in the store. Yes she can use a mouse at 2. It's one of her favorite stores.

 

[MattZani]

Just Not allow people who couldnt afford one in the next 6 months in? Would certainly cut out most people under 18, and anyone over 18 is pretty much allowed in because of Credit Cards etc.

I Really hated it when trying to decide glossy or matte, and there were 2 chinese EXCHANGE STUDENTS (Nothing against the chinese) Using the 2 MacBook Pro's, so i had to wait 20 minutes to be able to compare them both on default colour profiles with a few pictures.

They need to keep the people who are interested in, and the people who arent out.

Maybe an entry fee? I'd pay £1 to enter the store (Then that is deducted from purchase if you do purchase) Hell, i'd pay for a year membership, so i can browse in the only place in the Uk with every apple product out, in peace....

 

[Eric S.]

Just Not allow people who couldnt afford one in the next 6 months in? Would certainly cut out most people under 18, and anyone over 18 is pretty much allowed in because of Credit Cards etc.

I think the idea of having bouncers at the door of the Apple store telling teenagers that they can't come in because they're underage is not really an image that Apple would want to promote.

Maybe an entry fee? I'd pay £1 to enter the store (Then that is deducted from purchase if you do purchase) Hell, i'd pay for a year membership, so i can browse in the only place in the Uk with every apple product out, in peace....

Wow, in this time of recession asking people to pay just to walk into a store? I don't think that would get very far either.

 

[Royale w/cheese]

Maybe an entry fee? I'd pay £1 to enter the store (Then that is deducted from purchase if you do purchase) Hell, i'd pay for a year membership, so i can browse in the only place in the Uk with every apple product out, in peace....

Yeah, that is not a viable option in my opinion. Even living in Midwestern America, there a quite a few other stores I can go to for Apple products. In fact, most times I go to them just because they are closer than the Apple Store and are less busy at most times, not to mention a little cheaper. Charging an entry fee to the store would be detrimental to most everything to do with Apple. I would not pay it on principle alone.

 

[nozebleed]

I think this might be on a store to store basis or something because I was just at a local mall here to return a keyboard, and while i was waiting in line for a *ahem* "genius" I tested this thread, and got on facebook no probs. I even took a pic with my iphone and sent it to my brother. This was today at 12-1230 pm 2/10. I checked my phone today but dont have the pic, it was taken/sent through beejive- i didnt know it doesnt save to your camera roll.

EDIT: Found a workaround, heres the pic. Dont believe me check the exif.

 

[ashjamben]

anyone else think its sad that people need to check on facebook whilst out shopping?

 

[branjosef]

Im not into social networking sites. Maybe Im just too old, but I dont see the point.

 

[Samuelllll]

rubbish

i was in there today on facebook waiting for someone who works there?!!!!

it seems fine!

 

[dubhe]

I don't mind people playing on the computers, it makes them more aware of Macs and what they can do. But, it is really annoying when I want to play on one, because I am thinking of upgrading, and I can't get to any of them!

 

[branjosef]

I think apple should follow the cell phone store business model. Just put out a bunch of "Dummy" laptops that are "unibody" plastic and expect everyone to make choices based on what the frat-boy or dumb girl service reps says "Aww hell...its got a camera and can play mp3's -you like facebook? it can do that too"

 

[iceblade]

Its frustrating to have the store so crowded that you can't get through, or get to products.

On the other hand, would you rather the stores be barren? What is likely to drag in the AVERAGE mall shopper? A store that is empty (possibly) or a store that has a lot of people (theres obviously something in there, whats so great about that store)?

Obviously, most people know Apple these days due to iPods and the Apple logo, so most people know what it is and won't go in just to see what the store is all about, but seriously...

For people's own safety, I'm glad that Apple is blocking facebook. I can't count the times I've seen people log onto facebook in apple stores, and once I had a friend who did, and had someone change her status for her. It wasn't anything offensive, just a "hey, you left your facebook logged in. You should log out before you leave the computer so people can't get on it."

Is it annoying not getting access to some computers or new iPods? Yeah; But I'd rather Apple have a packed store than a store with almost no one there.

 

[wako]

yes, but isnt this the market apple should be targeting? you probably already own a mac, so why would you care if "they" are on the macs for long periods of time.
what are you really going to do on the instore demo units? see how quiet they are? run programs? type? send an email? video edit? chances are..probably not.
apple has those demos to let users play around, and if they want to photobooth and facebook, go ahead. it gets them familier with macs. Long run, it will get them "hooked" on macs.

if anything, they should ban current mac users from using macs, but then that would be an even stupider idea? thats about the same logic as the banning of facebook

it hurts business because in a mall when people who want to buy to get on a computer cant because little kids are too busy taking pictures of themselves. also they tend to goto the desktop computers with the big screens to do this, which is where the workshops take place.

we never asked children to go away but these are the sorts of feedback the apple store gets.

 

[Michael CM1]

anyone else think its sad that people need to check on facebook whilst out shopping?

Yes. I like Facebook because it makes keeping up with the people I know easier. No, it's not the same as being in person or even a phone call, but it's better than nothing. Also, being sort of a writer, it allows me to vent to a bunch of people who are forced to at least read a sentence.

As far as checking it while out, get an iPhone. The Facebook app gives you the basics you might need to check for whatever reason. I just do it from time to time because I get bored. I sure as heck am not one who would go do all the normal time-consuming things I do on there on the go, let alone on a public computer.

Also, when it comes to banning it and the issue of not letting people "test" the products, how much does using Facebook let a potential customer "test" a Mac? That's akin to people using Gmail as a means to test a computer. If I test a computer, I pretty much want to see how bright it is, how fast a page with a ton of graphics loads, stuff like that.

 

[branjosef]

anyone else think its sad that people need to check on facebook whilst out shopping?

I think it's sad that I have to check everyone else's facebook while at the apple store. They always forget to log out and I like changing their status

If it's a guy's facebook account...I say
"Just molested a child and LIKED it"
"Anal isn't bad although I'm a bit sore"
"Just masturbated"
"My girlfriend is making me gay"
"Girls suck"
"I love barry manilow"



If its a girls facebook account... I say
"Just swallowed"
I have bare floors in my apartment because I like to carpet munch"
"Just got laid"
"Left one man's house...on to another"
"I'm a dirty girl"
"OMG- Just found out I'm Pregnant"
"OMG - Just saw the donkey show"
"Whoever said being easy wouldn't get you anywhere in life is a liar"
"I frequent the apple store in Oakbrook Illinois, come visit me- I'm easy!"
"My Dad sexually assaulted me as a child"
"Sex with three guys wasn't that bad"



You know stuff like that. Sorry if this ever happened to you but lesson learned...pay attention to detail and always log out.

 

[Schtumple]

I think it's sad that I have to check everyone else's facebook while at the apple store. They always forget to log out and I like changing their status

If it's a guy's facebook account...I say
"Just molested a child and LIKED it"
"Anal isn't bad although I'm a bit sore"
"Just masturbated"
"My girlfriend is making me gay"
"Girls suck"
"I love barry manilow"



If its a girls facebook account... I say
"Just swallowed"
I have bare floors in my apartment because I like to carpet munch"
"Just got laid"
"Left one man's house...on to another"
"I'm a dirty girl"
"OMG- Just found out I'm Pregnant"
"OMG - Just saw the donkey show"
"Whoever said being easy wouldn't get you anywhere in life is a liar"
"I frequent the apple store in Oakbrook Illinois, come visit me- I'm easy!"
"My Dad sexually assaulted me as a child"
"Sex with three guys wasn't that bad"



You know stuff like that. Sorry if this ever happened to you but lesson learned...pay attention to detail and always log out.

I love people like you, a true vigilante!

 

[Primejimbo]

I think it's sad that I have to check everyone else's facebook while at the apple store. They always forget to log out and I like changing their status

If it's a guy's facebook account...I say
"Just molested a child and LIKED it"
"Anal isn't bad although I'm a bit sore"
"Just masturbated"
"My girlfriend is making me gay"
"Girls suck"
"I love barry manilow"



If its a girls facebook account... I say
"Just swallowed"
I have bare floors in my apartment because I like to carpet munch"
"Just got laid"
"Left one man's house...on to another"
"I'm a dirty girl"
"OMG- Just found out I'm Pregnant"
"OMG - Just saw the donkey show"
"Whoever said being easy wouldn't get you anywhere in life is a liar"
"I frequent the apple store in Oakbrook Illinois, come visit me- I'm easy!"
"My Dad sexually assaulted me as a child"
"Sex with three guys wasn't that bad"



You know stuff like that. Sorry if this ever happened to you but lesson learned...pay attention to detail and always log out.

LMAO!! I see you're in Chicago.. I need to stay away from you