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GraphicPower, a popular Mac-enthusiasts site has shut down operations after being denied a press-pass to the Macworld Expo.

It's not just pettiness. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it of Apple's PR department seems to have taken a personal dislike to GraphicPower and other sites that supposedly promote rumors. She appears to have given IDG Expo, the organizer of Macworld Expo, a list of sites to ban. Oddly enough, GraphicPower is not a rumor site. Instead, they are a small, well-respected news, reviews and opinion site. Yet when This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , GP's Editor-In-Chief, attempted to rectify the situation, he quickly hit a wall.

While cool-mac.com is not dedicated to rumor-mongering, we believe that there is a point when intelligent speculation becomes news and those of us in the press have an obligation to objectively report it. It is our reasoning that Apple's own policies, both that of promoting their product announcements with teasing pre-release hype, and of keeping even minor upgrades a secret serve to encourage this process.

When a company acts to censor legitimate news sources, it is not good for the company or for their community of users. It limits the abilities of large-scale buyers to make informed decisions and in-turn forces corporate and education customers to purchase from other sources. Disclosure of future product releases allows such buyers to create accurate budgets for their next year of upgrades. It also allows home users to feel more comfortable about their purchases, without being surprised by new product releases that make them instantly obsolete.

It is our humble opinion that Apple is hurting itself by failing to announce their products before major events such as Macworld Expo. Announcing products in advance of a Steve Jobs keynote would soften the inevitable pre-expo sales slump and promote attendance at events where new products are shown. Most companies seem to disagree with Apple's non-disclosure policy.

Further, while Apple has the right to crack down on their own employees who leak trade secrets, they have no justifiable reason to to censor legitimate news outlets.

GraphicPower and similar sites are a place for fans of Apple Computer to congregate. At least 50% of Apple's sales are to existing customers who populate grassroots sites like these. Apple is acting against its own interests and treading on their biggest supporters.

Shame on you, Apple.

Other reports and opinions:
graphicpower.com
eweek.com
macosrumors.com
theregister.co.uk
thinksecret.com
applelinks.com
wired.com