2. The Steve Jobs Nobody Knew

STEVE JOBS (1955-2011)

The article "The Steve Jobs Nobody Knew" by Jeff Goodell exposed Jobs attitude that might never know. Three quick thoughts looking at the general make-up/outline of the article, though. First, I think that Goodell got away with such a long article because of the legacy Jobs holds, people are interested and willing to read. Second, the tagline that’s used to grab readers’ attention “How an insecure, acid-dropping hippie kid reinvented himself as a technological visionary – and changed the world,” definitely draws Rolling Stone magazine’s target market in. The story of some “underdog” rising above it all and coming out on top makes any person drop what their doing to be engrossed in such and “inspirational” story. Third, I’m not sure how I feel about the way Goodell goes about the introduction in first person, discussing the “first time” he met Steve jobs and throughout the article describing in random tid-bits his relationship with Jobs.

I guess I also had a few other concerns… In the article there is a one page snipet written by Chrisann Brennan (a former lover of Jobs who had his daughter Lisa); I wasn’t sure if it was necessary at first. However, after finishing the article, I think that it gave more credit to Jobs character (until the last paragraph) to show what he was like growing up and discovering Apple, and I like how it was included. Another thing, I’m not sure I liked the cliche “becoming a family man changed his life/attitude,” approach the article had focusing on Jobs’s character. I can see why it’s being used because it really hits home with families, and the whole “live like you’re dying” approach, but I thought it was a bit much when the idea was first introduced after Goodell brought up his meeting/marriage to Laurene Powell. I’m curious if it’s really fair to say that he was arrogant, perfectionist with asshole tendencies before he started a family. Is any part of this looked at as possible slander? Just some thoughts to keep in mind while reading the article, which I really think everyone should.

Overall, however, I found the article very enlightening, I had no idea who Steve Jobs really was until reading this article. Therefore, you should all take a crack at it as well.