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*LTD*

macrumors G4
Original poster
Feb 5, 2009
10,703
1
Canada
RDF. Reality Distortion Field. A term of derision, humour or perplexity, depending on the attitude (and motives) of the onlooker.

RDF implies that there's a defined reality and Apple's marketing/philosophy-speak/mission statement somehow intrudes on this reality, often with an alternate, usually less significant and less representative reality (i.e., the distortion.) Whatever the case, it's one that is less characteristic of what's going on, yet invasive enough to call for use of terminology (usually pejorative) to describe it, categorize it and put it on a shelf for (gleeful) future use.

But what happens when reality is increasingly defined by Apple? When reality qua reality is generated by Apple or is otherwise defined by Apple's vision? The situation from June 2007 to the present has all the makings of a reality that is Apple-dominated - in ideas, products, or both. A reality in which Apple sets the agenda for the industry, and the the industry attempts to follow it with varying degrees of success.

There isn't much point in deriding Apple's own spin on a reality that they've already set for the industry and are actively defining product after product, service after service. RDF is thus an anachronism.

RDF no longer applies in today's tech environment, which is increasingly driven by the average consumer, who is increasingly served by Apple.

What we're seeing is a Reality Generation Field in Cupertino. In other words, it's just plain old reality now. So let's get our terminology straight and more reflective of current market realities.

Enjoy the RGF. ;)
 
Last edited:

Abstract

macrumors Penryn
Dec 27, 2002
24,889
921
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LethalWolfe

macrumors G3
Jan 11, 2002
9,370
124
Los Angeles
Although your term RGF may be new the concept is not. This is little more than Apple adopting features/technology that it previously discounted and then marketed the hell out once they added them. People just toss flash memory MP3 players in drawers, who wants to watch video on tiny iPod screens, no we aren't making a phone, who needs MMS, background tasks are too confusing, nobody reads anymore... I could go on. If Apple doesn't offer it it sucks but once Apple gets on board it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. RDF in full effect.

Nothing new to see here.


Lethal
 

KingCrimson

macrumors 65816
Mar 12, 2011
1,066
0
So basically Apple products are magical until they're not. Oh and another rule of RGF is that "all competing products are crap". :rolleyes::rolleyes:
 

FX120

macrumors 65816
May 18, 2007
1,173
235
So when Steve just flat out spews a bunch of lies, it's not really lie because it *might* come true sometime down the line?

Sounds like a cult attitude.
 

roadbloc

macrumors G3
Aug 24, 2009
8,784
215
UK
The daily need to assert Apple's greatness. You have to understand. Nobody would know just how great Apple was until *LTD* posted it. :rolleyes:
My point was that *LTD*'s posts are, despite being biased, backed up with links and statistics and graphs, which is fine and start the kindling of a good debate. This thread is just... an emotional overflow from him I guess.

Also, I think *LTD* needs to also realise that there is more than just 'average users' in the world.
 
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