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Gaming the system implies he did something most people wouldn't do. I don't think that's the case. Does being rich give you a better shot at a new liver? Yes. W

by ryandvm 16y ago

Gaming the system implies he did something most people wouldn't do. I don't think that's the case. Does being rich give you a better shot at a new liver? Yes. Would most people take advantage of their wealth to lengthen their life? Yes. I would like to feel high and mighty about this, but I can't. If I had Jobs' money, you can be sure I'd be getting myself on as many lists as I could too.

beoba 16y ago
The two are not mutually exclusive.
Kylekramer 16y ago
I disagree that gaming the system implies most people wouldn't do it. It is just manipulating the rules in place in a way to give yourself an advantage. Basically, following the letter but breaking the spirit of the law. Tons of people do that everyday. So yes, Steve gamed the system. But I don't begrudge him for it. Gaming systems for personal gain is the hacker way, honestly.
- dansingerman 16y ago
  "Gaming systems for personal gain is the hacker way, honestly" This rings very true for me. And if 'personal gain' = 'extending life span' who the hell can criticise that?
- zalew 16y ago
  I wonder how these comments would look like if instead of Jobs it was about some Goldman Sachs exec. (downvotes for this comment, here they come)
  - jokermatt999 16y ago
    <meta> Please don't complain about possibly being downvoted. It ruins otherwise good posts. You had an insightful post that people would have modded up anyway. </meta> Indeed, it's a lot easier to justify this as "fair" when it's someone you like. I admit that I'd have a harder time defending the GS exec, but I don't see how what they did is against the rules. It may not be "fair" because poorer people don't have that opportunity, but it's still legal. The focus should be less on fair/unfair and more on fixing the current broken system in which many people die.
JacobAldridge 16y ago
Precisely what I came here to say. There's a lot that can be said about the news this week, but accusing him of gaming the system (rather than just using it to his advantage in what was possibly a life-threatening situation) is not one of them.
zachallaun 16y ago
I agree with this, but would take it a step further: Jobs' influence on many people has been profound. I'd argue that his staying alive has increased the quality, if not longevity, of many lives. I do not mean this to say that his only contribution has been great product direction, either. He drew a new picture of acceptable and standard corporate culture, an achievement which has likely changed the way that thousands of businesses operate and contribute to society.

by ryandvm 16y ago

beoba 16y ago

The two are not mutually exclusive.

Kylekramer 16y ago

I disagree that gaming the system implies most people wouldn't do it. It is just manipulating the rules in place in a way to give yourself an advantage. Basically, following the letter but breaking the spirit of the law. Tons of people do that everyday. So yes, Steve gamed the system. But I don't begrudge him for it. Gaming systems for personal gain is the hacker way, honestly.

dansingerman 16y ago
"Gaming systems for personal gain is the hacker way, honestly" This rings very true for me. And if 'personal gain' = 'extending life span' who the hell can criticise that?
zalew 16y ago
I wonder how these comments would look like if instead of Jobs it was about some Goldman Sachs exec. (downvotes for this comment, here they come)
- jokermatt999 16y ago
  <meta> Please don't complain about possibly being downvoted. It ruins otherwise good posts. You had an insightful post that people would have modded up anyway. </meta> Indeed, it's a lot easier to justify this as "fair" when it's someone you like. I admit that I'd have a harder time defending the GS exec, but I don't see how what they did is against the rules. It may not be "fair" because poorer people don't have that opportunity, but it's still legal. The focus should be less on fair/unfair and more on fixing the current broken system in which many people die.

JacobAldridge 16y ago

Precisely what I came here to say. There's a lot that can be said about the news this week, but accusing him of gaming the system (rather than just using it to his advantage in what was possibly a life-threatening situation) is not one of them.

zachallaun 16y ago

I agree with this, but would take it a step further: Jobs' influence on many people has been profound. I'd argue that his staying alive has increased the quality, if not longevity, of many lives. I do not mean this to say that his only contribution has been great product direction, either. He drew a new picture of acceptable and standard corporate culture, an achievement which has likely changed the way that thousands of businesses operate and contribute to society.