Gone Indie
Here’s a career update, for those of you who care: I’ve left Apple, and I’m now working on my own, from home, as an indie software developer. I have plans for at least two kick-ass Mac apps, I’ll probably contribute to a few open source projects, and I may dabble in some web stuff.
(At least, that’s the plan for now! Everything is subject to change without prior notice. This document contains forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ.)
This is kind of a big change for me. I’ve been continuously employed for 19 years, 16 of those at Apple. I clearly like being part of a team, part of a company, and specifically part of Apple. But there comes a time when a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.
In fact, I was noticing the other day that there’s some…
Spooky Career-Related Stuff About Jens In Years Ending In “7”
1977: The year I first spend significant quality time at a computer. (I learned BASIC the year before, but computers were hard to get to at the time, especially for a preteen kid!)
1987: The year I graduated from college and became a Professional Software Engineer. (This started on a high point with a summer internship at Xerox PARC, then devolved into a year of struggling to find contracting work. Which at least gave me free time to learn Mac programming.)
1997: The year I quit Apple after the project I’d been on [OpenDoc] was axed, and most of my team-mates laid off. (I came back, after a year in the wilderness of doomed startups and soon-to-be-beleaguered coffee-themed server vendors.)
2007: Me telling you this.
(The pattern breaks down if you extend back to 1967, when I did nothing unusual, except for being two and living in New Jersey. Check up with me in ten years to see what I do in 2017! I may be uploading my consciousness into an iBrain, or I may be assembling a Difference Engine out of twisted rebar in my weakly-radioactive cave.)
“Why Did You Resign, Number 19832?”
Wouldn’t they love to know! They tried all the tricks—even scheduled me for an “exit interview” with an “HR director”. I sang like a canary. Sorry, I’m no Patrick McGoohan. (It’s a shame; Portmeiron looks like a lovely community.)
Really, it comes down to the cliché of…
“Creative Differences”
Apple’s a very focused company, and that’s a strategy that’s worked well for the past ten years. I admire that, and I’m happy to be in a world where I don’t have to feel like a freak anymore for using a Mac in public. And overall, Apple’s core goals of elegant user interfaces and beautiful design are ones I am glad to contribute to.
But I’m fascinated with social software. Apple isn’t. Despite some promising starts, the most I’ve been able to get accomplished in that vein at Apple was iChat [the IM part; I’m really not interested in videoconferencing], Safari RSS, and the “PubSub” [which turned out to be “RSS and Atom”] framework. There were some very promising prototypes of sexier things, but I really can’t talk about those, other than to say that they were canceled.
I looked around after Leopard was finished, and didn’t see any place in the company where I could pursue my ideas. It would have meant evangelizing reluctant executives into sharing my vision … and that’s something that I know I have little talent at. My strategy is more of “build a sexy demo app and they will come around”; that and my awesome co-worker Jess’s salesmanship got the above-mentioned prototype projects off the ground, but it wasn’t enough to get them through the product feature review process, sadly.
There were some lesser issues, too…
Ideas
I tend to have a lot of ideas. I’m not bragging, and that’s not always a good trait; it can be hard for me to focus on something long enough to finish it. A structured job has helped me stay on-task. On the other hand, though, the development cycle in a big company is such that every significant idea takes a year or more to finish, and during that time, more ideas pile up in my brain.
That wouldn’t be bad if there were some other channels to express those ideas. And if they took the form of songs, or novels, or scrimshaw carvings of Biblical scenes on walrus tusks, I could do whatever I wanted with them. But on software, Apple’s position (not unusually for the industry) is “All Your Idea Are Belong To Us”, and I signed onto that when I accepted the job offer. In other words, anything I do that relates in any way to Apple’s areas of business, no matter when or where I do it, belongs to Apple. [Edit: Ha! Note I’m still using present tense.]
(Again, this isn’t something particular about Apple. Most tech companies are like this, and if you work for one, you probably signed a very similar “Proprietary Rights Agreement” that they hid in the stack of paperwork beneath your offer letter. And yes, companies will enforce that if they see profit in it.)
Individuality
Finally — and this may seem petty — Apple’s lack of individuality bugs me. I don’t mean internally: within the company, communication is reasonably open (modulo confidentiality issues) and there’s lots of room for self-expression. But ever since the return of Steve Jobs, the company has been pretty maniacal about micro-managing its visible face, to make it as smooth and featureless as an iPod’s backside. (In my darker moments I’ve compared it to the brutal whiteness of “THX-1138”.)
It’s deeply ironic: For a company that famously celebrates individuality and Thinking Different, Apple has in the past decade kept its image remarkably impersonal. Other than the trinity who go onstage at press events — Steve Jobs, Jonathan Ive, Phil Schiller — how many people can you name who work for Apple? How many engineers?
[And no, “Woz” is not a correct answer. Woz has not contributed to Apple since the mid ‘80s. He’s a great guy, but the fact that people still associate him with Apple is, I think, a symptom of the company’s scarcity of public faces.]
It wasn’t always this way. Apple was very open in the beginning, and treated the members of the original Mac team like rock stars, complete with photo layouts in Rolling Stone. Their signatures were engraved in the inside of the computer’s case. (Andy Herzfeld wrote a good article about this.) Even in my early years there, applications’ “about boxes” proudly listed the names of the people who worked on them. The OS itself had semi-secret easter eggs that listed everyone’s name. The developer Tech Notes were bylined with the names of the individual engineers who wrote them. (Don’t scoff: the tech notes were great stuff, quirky and funny and individual. As a young Mac developer, just reading them gave me a great feeling about the company and made me want to work there.)
Nowadays, unless you’re a vice president, the only time Apple consents to show your name is if you give a talk at the Worldwide Developers’ Conference, a rather pricey annual event. Which is nice, but relatively few engineers do this (it’s a ton of work to prepare for) and it’s definitely not public (all but Steve’s keynote is under NDA.)
It’s not that I’m poutily demanding that I get my portrait taken by Annie Leibowitz, just like Andy Herzfeld and Bill Atkinson. But when I (and those I work with) slave over a project for a year, and shape it with our creative energies, I think we should be able to put our damn names on it somewhere (unobtrusively, in 8pt Lucida).
And then there are blogs. Apple doesn’t like them, not when they talk about it. (Big surprise.) I’ve heard it said that there are hardly any bloggers working at Apple; there are actually a lot more than you’d think, but they mostly keep it a secret. (I could out a few people, including at least one director…) I think Apple’s policy on blogging is one of the least enlightened of major tech companies; Microsoft in particular is surprisingly open.
I believe in being individual, and open. It always got on my nerves that there were so many things I couldn’t write about (not confidential information, of course, just public stuff) without the very real chance of waking up to a testy email the next day.
Gulp.
And speaking of which, I now find myself at the end of this unexpectedly-long post, rather afraid of pressing the Publish button. I have been long-conditioned to avoid saying anything like the above in public. Even now, I may very well want to work at Apple again someday (dammit, I still love the place, despite my gripes), and I don’t want to burn any bridges.
Realistically, I need to consider that if I did want to go back, the skills I have to offer should take precedence over any fur I’ve rubbed the wrong way with posts like this. But I still worry about how They will react. And it’s that sort of thinking that really shows me that, yes, I need some time on my own.
So wish me luck. I’ll be in touch.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 PM
If we can add our voices to the choir, you have given much, and clearly have much to give.
We’re writing from The Independent Film Channel, where we’re building IFCU, a first of its kind, online film and new media university — and concordant international indie filmmaking community. Classes launch in Fall ‘08. We have a great LMS guy (the former Chief IT Architect for Sun Microsystems, perhaps you know him) gearing up to create a truly revolutionary, online learning environment.
We love smart people. We want to involve them.
We are a very small team of filmmakers and educators (including Jane Kagon, who ran ULCA Extension’s Entertainment Division) looking to change the world of education, to bring this education to the world, and via the fruits of such labor, help better the world a bit.
If you have a moment, drop us a line.
Best to you — Roger (et al)
January 24th, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Jens,
I’m sorry, but your room in the AppleScript Hall of Fame still isn’t ready, as we weren’t expecting you for some time. And with Jon Pugh, Donald Olson, Richard Nygord, and Andy Bachorski taking a whole wing, it’s getting more and more crowded. But the good news is that I’ve made a deal to secure a percentage of the land at the new campus for an AppleScript Library. How do you feel about a garden statue?
Best wishes,
Sal
January 24th, 2008 at 2:29 AM
Good luck, and I look forward to the software you will make in the future.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:17 AM
Good Luck! and welcome to Google
January 24th, 2008 at 6:42 AM
Jens,
I run TheDigitalLifestyle.tv . We’re working on a video segment on this very thing: lack of social innovation at Apple. As a former Apple employee myself, albeit out and the very tip of the retail tentacle, I know there are amazing people, with fascinating personalities throughout the company. The engineers I met on occasion in Cupertino are unforgettable. The company could benefit greatly from letting everyone else see that.
To you, and any other current/former employees who want to contribute to our story, on the record or anonymously, please send me an email.
Best of luck, and as others have stated, Apple’s loss is a huge gain for the indie development community.
January 24th, 2008 at 8:07 AM
You sir, are a brave and honourable man. Best of luck out in the Wild!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Congratulations Jens! Having worked on the OS since DP2, I can completely relate to your comments. Best of luck, and I look forward to seeing what you have in store.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Welcome aboard and happy to have an “insider” on the outside today! Can’t wait to hear from you more often and to see what you bring to the indie community!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:16 PM
Hello, Jens.
I have some very frank opinions to dispense. I hope they are taken in the right spirit for they intended to be so as well.
Face it, Apple won’t miss you an iota, (or anyone who doesn’t blend into their ‘DNA’) and that’s probably a good thing for Apple because they need that ‘different’ streak to survive in the aggressive industry they’re in. So the more aggressive they are in pursuing the larger objectives in this area, the better for their health.
And that’s also a good thing for you because you found your ‘streak’ in the process, as well.
So while i won’t compliment you for quitting Apple, i will send you best wishes for the new journey you have embarked upon. Doing one’s own thing is always a genuine pleasure, if nothing else.
That said, Apple cannot be regarded as ‘closed’ - leave alone your [understandably reactionary] opinions of Microsoft and others being ‘open’ - because what you regard as closed is exactly what keeps Apple totally intriguing to the world.
Also the ‘visible face’ that you have dismissed as “featureless”, “impersonal” and such are exactly their great strategies for creating a sort of ‘unified feel’ and that understated mysterious elegance that’s so inimitably theirs and that no other product in this industry can boast of.
I think one has to understand that Apple is primarily Steve Jobs’ and J. Ives’ work of sheer passion and artistic expression. It’s really akin to working for a Designer label. So a few people (Jobs, Ives and Schiller) at the top control every aspect of the products and that’s exactly why they make such great, cohesive products because they don’t fall for this ‘illusory democracy’ that other companies boast of while letting their products suffer from a diarrhoea of features and opinions and thereby a misunderstanding of (or a misconnection with) their target audience.
As for true democracy, see the chaos called the OSS. How long before a consumer can install it and get answers to all issues/ troubleshooting thereafter? Why would Apple want to head down that road?
Therefore, Apple cannot let down what they have always had and preferentially served - i.e. their zealots, their community.
And i’d say, their probably paranoid control over employee blogging is justified too because any divulgence of information of their products and strategies kills their modus operandi, which is to surprise, WOW! and confuse their competitors and also play on this whole ‘One more thing’ mystery. Think about it, for example, despite all that secrecy about say the iPhone or their upcoming products, rumours are still leaking out all the time.
Also Apple employs minimal advertising budgets, focussing only on specific media channels and letting their keynotes and customers do all the ‘selling’ (evangelizing?). This is a good strategy too, as it avoids over-hype and over-promotion of a product before and after its release, which creates a sort of customer-jadedness.
So considering all of this, i suppose, Apple probably expects its employees to ‘buy in’ to this mode of working. And its perfectly okay to buy in to it (as it is totally okay to opt out as well, like you did).
But the central point is that Apple is what it is for probably a [good] reason.
No other Co. evokes such strong emotions from its consumers, so they must be doing a hell-a-LOT of things right.
That said, good luck!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Do you have any idea what an utter bore you are?
January 24th, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Virex: Do you have any more ‘worthwhile’ comments to add or is your self-esteem sufficiently appeased for just having made a comment for Jens?
January 24th, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Jens,
Sorry to see you go.I remember your name when I worked in Apple Retail. Good luck on your future endevors!
Please consider getting involved with OpenOffice.org and helping with the Mac port. OS X really needs an alternative to MS Office.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:37 PM
@ Virex:
Oh, and BTW, why bother reading what you find ‘boring’ (and take the trouble of commenting)?
Get a life, loser!
January 24th, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Man, I wish I could have hung out with guys like you when I was growing up. I hope your endeavors are fruitful. I’m truly a man who believes in following dreams at almost any cost. Me and my Apple are making a creative living in Budapest… probably in part… thanks to you :-)
Wish you the best :-)
- RAEMIX
January 24th, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Apple’s total lack of interest in the social-networking phenomenon has always been appalling. Everything from the .mac system to iChat just screams for integration and social connecting, so I can’t blame you at all for looking for greener pastures.
Good luck.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Jens,
Congratulations on your road to independence. Independent thinkers are the ones who really leave positive marks upon society. MLK, Mahatma Ghandi, The Woz, Yourself and many others “Go Solo” to explore what’s in their own hearts and minds. The biggest obstacles we face are change. Change in daily habits, routines and thought patterns. Take this time to empty your vessel of mind from all distracting issues impressed upon you at the Apple factory. Your time is NOW! Use the opportunity to build ideas, products and relationships that fulfill your own personal and emotional needs.
Yes! The future is definitely about Social Networking. YouTube Blew-up huge and this wave of Social Networking is just at the very beginning of the curve. And you are here to be an anchor to lift up the industry to previously unattainable heights.
How about an Online Audio/Video Internet Mash-Up application [IMU] based on stacks like HyperCard or layers like in Photoshop along with a defined timeline[s] where you could go forward/backward in time and update/upgrade your Mash-up like Leopards Time Machine? Drag and drop from your desktop Flash, QT movies, Audio Text and Image files.
Similar standalone/template apps include Passport Producer, HyperEngine AV and Macromedia Action are good models to emulate. These are older 68k and PPC apps. New is not always necessarily better. Maybe in form and design, but not always function. These programs show you real human possibilities when adapted and recreated for the web and social networking. It couldn’t be any clearer. Now its out there. Go for it!
Just like HyperCard had stacks…Photoshop has Layers. Similar, yet a true evolution of the same idea/concept. We must notice around us, that ALL things are interconnected and rely on each other to function as a whole.
As we perceive these truths, you will become a conscious and LIVING part of human evolution. And in our current technological environment, it combines the most aspects of human advancement in any of the sciences today. Including: Critical Thinking, Creative Problem Solving Mathematics, Writing, Software Programming, Music, The Arts, Intellectual Property and Copywrights, Medicine, Education, Media, Futurology and so much more. I cannot think of any field, past, present or future, where one persons contribution can benefit so many people.
Tomorrows Technological Innovation and Social Networking Solutions are in your hands. Grab it, nurture it and keep steadfast. The web is where you’ll make your future bright. Go forth young man and make your mark.
The Web needs, loves, nurtures and supports dedicated, honest & sincere people like you. Speak your mind when & where required. Feel your sense of independence growing. You’ll need it to push through for upgrading yourself for our challenging future.
I’m totally in your corner. The creator’s got your back. No one can beat that. Not even Apple! Best wishes for your bright future in Social Networking and Software Development.
Peace, Love and Blessings for you and yours.
Maximum Respect, Donnie Dixon.
A Technology Innovator in Boston
February 27th, 2009 at 3:04 AM
::GULP:: As I read this I prepare to hear tomorrow if I landed a position over there. Probably didn’t get it anyway.. but I think for some reason I will have nightmares following the theme from the infamous ‘84 Mac commercial.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:33 AM
C — Good luck! I had [mostly] a great time at Apple, and I hope you’ll get the job and do some cool stuff there.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Mr. Alfke,
My name is Alex. I am a student at Marshall University. I share your feelings about Apple being so closed minded. I am currently sitting on an awesome idea for a product, but Apple is very stingy about their “Unsolicited Idea Policy”. I wish there was a way I get my ideas through to them.
I’d be happy to discuss some of this with you. My email is adurhamwv@gmail.com.
I know exactly how you feel when you say you’re full of ideas, I just wish I knew how to follow through with them like you do.
Best of luck!
February 11th, 2010 at 8:08 AM
Alex: Companies don’t really have a use for unsolicited outside ideas. An idea, unfortunately, is the easy part — developing it into a product is what takes all the time and effort. (Remember what Edison said about “1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”.) Or alternatively, you could say that there’s a continual series of ideas that are necessary to create a product, and the first one is merely the seed crystal.
There are also messy legal issues around using an idea from an outsider — it opens the company up to later lawsuits by the inventor. (In a related industry, most authors have a well-rehearsed speech about why they don’t want to hear your sure-fire-bestseller idea for a novel.)
If you have a great idea, you’ll need to develop it yourself. Or get a job somewhere that’s doing something similar enough that you can incorporate your idea into the project you’re working on.