Is 'The Woz' a Line Cutter?

Wozniak (a.k.a. "The Woz") founded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs way back in 1976, but left active involvement in the company in the mid-80's, moving on to a series of other projects (not to mention romantic interests). He's still connected enough to Apple that you'd think he could get a new iPhone just for the asking, so it's all a bit curious that many attendees of the iPhone 3G release of the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose, California, reported that he, along with a posse of friends, cut in line when the store opened and walked out with the goods. Many of those who had waited for hours were apparently quite unhappy, but according to Woz it was actually supposed to be something of a publicity event:
I told them I would come at 10 AM and get in line and they told me back that the line would be short and they had talked to the people in front and that the people in front WANTED me to go first. I discussed the fact that I'd be with a small group too. The Apple store staff also said that the chairs and table in front of the store would be reserved for me. So sitting in those chairs I was in line. I am thankful for the chairs. I'm actually older than almost everyone in the lines these days.So, line-cutting scumbag or just a big miscommunication? Given how universally likable Steve is we have to assume the latter. [Source: CNET]




















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CJ @ Jul 14th 2008 11:35PM
Okay, i have to say this is the biggest load of crap i've heard in a long time. Those that actually know something about Steve Wozniak know he loves being around other people in the tech community and he wanted to be at the store to talk to people and to see the people who like the company he helped build. He didn't have to take the spot in line, but the others in line were okay with it and it shouldn't have been a problem.
Cnet is just getting a story for reads and they didn't even ask The Woz about the situation. its just complete crap.
boredwell @ Jul 15th 2008 7:32AM
better get your facts straight. if one were to "diss" one Apple's 2 founders, Steve-o would win hands down. His upper eschelon employees are not especially fond of him although most acknowledge and appreciate his prodigious creative genius. When Jobs returned to the Little A after Next, it was reported that in his eagerness to appropriate the moniker that belongs to NYC his kinetic energies were disconnected from human-relations. As for the congenial persona that is
Steve #2, one would only have to howl at the inanity of this piece of stoking fodder. Convivial or not, any one who would believe what Mr Stevens has written, is a much a dolt as he. #1 & #2 had the next iphones PRIOR to marketing. C'mon Tim, there are bigger bones to gnaw on. Try tossing some to your readers.
Michele @ Jul 15th 2008 3:17PM
He or Bill Gates can cut in front of me anytime.
Michele @ Jul 15th 2008 3:19PM
He or Bill Gates can cut in front of me anytime.