Amen, Mr. Shipley, amen
When was the last time you were impressed by a tech god’s humility? Aside from Steve Wozniak, who’s nearly 60 and still known for being a bit naive in a cool and endearing way, I’m having a hard time thinking of anyone.
During Steve Jobs demo of the iPad’s iBooks app (00:51:30), pretty much everyone familiar with Wil Shipley’s Delicious Library noted a distinct similarity between the two applications. And, some might say that Apple actually ripped off the concept and should pay for the pleasure.
However, given that this isn’t the first time Apple’s “borrowed” ideas like this (not the least of which is the least original Mac GUI) and many companies, including Apple, have tried and failed to sue those they thought cribbed their “look and feel.”
Anyway, Wil Shipley’s publicly acknowleged Apple’s “highest form of praise” (plagarism). Further, the story has been picked up by The Washington Post, which has also published follow up from Shipley:
As a creator, part of what I seek is recognition, immortality. I don’t work for Apple, or Google (I’ve been offered jobs & buyouts) because I want the fame myself. It’s my shot at immortality. My designs are my children. So it stinks when I feel like Steve might get the fame for my innovation. I lose my children, as it were.
But your children aren’t really yours. They have lives of their own. So, when your designs do change the world, you have to accept it. You have to say, ‘OK, this was such a good idea, other people took it and ran with it. I win.’
‘Twas wise. He could have been bitter and spewed venom like a thousand scorned App Store developers, but he chose humility and grace — two things in short supply.
That said, Wil Shipley’s has been named one of the most influential most influential members of the Mac community by MacTech Magazine. Here’s hoping that influence spreads a little after today…
What’s your take?
Related Posts:
