The Macintosh had been out for four months already, and when excited customers brought the computer home, the only option left was to curse at it.
"Boss, why are you keeping this useless computer?"
"Heh, don't you get it? This thing can't be sold. Even if you sell it, it'll just come back."
"So what? It's still garbage."
"Hmph, no matter how worthless it seems, it's the ancestor of graphical operating systems. Twenty years from now, these ten-odd Macs might be the only ones left in the world."
"Wow, seriously? You're going to make money off that too?"
Jason Garrison didn't expect that years later, these computers would indeed be very valuable. William White even gave one to Steve Jobs.
...
Apple's stock finally started to fall. Having delayed product releases long enough to draw criticism, they finally released something and ran right into a serious quality issue.
In reality, calling it a quality issue was a bit disingenuous. It's a bit like insisting a 586 computer should run on XP. There wasn't a big problem with the computer itself; it was just that the specs were way too low.
Apple was in a tough spot, and if not for that successful ad, the so-called Macintosh could have served as Apple's third-generation computer, or maybe just barely a fourth.
It's a shame, really, because everyone saw the benefits of the iOS system. How could they possibly accept any changes?
Jobs now understood that even his expensive Lisa computer, costing more than ten grand, barely ran.
"Damn it, that bastard was right again," Jobs ranted about William White.
So it goes, once you see someone as bad, no matter what, they're bad. Of course, William White was aware of the iOS system and bluntly stated at the time that only a full 32-bit CPU could handle it. Something like the 6800 simply wasn't up to the task.
Yet, Jobs didn't believe it. He thought William White wanted to steal his thunder, or maybe this sly fox was already developing something.
Such suspicion wasn't entirely unfounded. When Bill Gates saw this, his eyes went unfocused. But William White was nothing like that. This guy was surprisingly skilled and complained about how bad the mouse was.
Even though Jobs believed in the existence of geniuses, he couldn't accept that one could be to such an extent.
Reason told him that the White system definitely hadn't developed this thing. Still, he couldn't help but be on guard since, as a former thief himself, he didn't trust William White's integrity.
...
Well, William indeed didn't have this thing, simply because he didn't need to steal it.
In this era, it wasn't suitable for large companies to develop like that. Monopolizing office software was hateful enough. Now, with the acquisition of Oracle, White was doing well in the database industry too. If he tackled operating systems, being forced to break up would be the only outcome.
Unfortunately, not many people could see through his plans. Jobs certainly couldn't.
By this stage, Jobs seemed to finally have an epiphany. In fact, William White was pretty good to him. It's just a shame that as someone as insufferably proud as he was, he couldn't look up to anyone.
At this moment, William White was also lamenting that neither the Jobs nor Bill could possibly be absorbed into his ranks.
If he could somehow integrate these two great figures, he'd be retired by now, making movies, dating chicks, and living the good life.
...
Mike Markkula was quite distressed. Despite Apple's current predicament, it hadn't affected Jobs's prestige one bit. If they still wanted to carry the anti-mainstream banner, Jobs was an indispensable person.
"Damn it, don't talk to me about time. What's most lacking is time," Bill Gates was losing his temper. At the current progress, they'd only have an outline completed this year. Thinking about bringing it to market was just dreaming.
"Bill, you need to learn to control your emotions." After a group of executives left, Bill Gates's old buddy Paul Allen began to advise him.
To be honest, the bond between these two guys was truly something special. It's almost a miracle to maintain such a relationship in this materialistic world.
"Paul, I'm really anxious. The opportunity is just too good. If some other company..."
"Heh, William White won't mess with operating systems. That's very clear."
"Why? Just because he invested in us?"
"Believe it or not, I've recently analyzed this guy. Though he's arrogant and domineering, he strictly adheres to agreements. Most importantly, he has a clear positioning on the IT industry."
"Tell me more."
"Bill, William White doesn't lack money or insight. Why do you think he can't see the advantages of a graphical OS?"
"Might he secretly develop it? Just like his arcade games and office software."
"Impossible. Previous software was simple, resolved with a few all-nighters. What's the current situation? We have so many engineers needing more than a year. Although his software company hasn't gone public, there are many shareholders. Such a massive investment can't just be secretly transferred."
"Sigh, just worried there might be other competitors." After Paul's analysis, Bill Gates felt somewhat relieved. Despite being physically weak, his buddy had a sharp strategic vision.
"William White analyzed it pretty well. He doesn't support Jobs, not because they're not on good terms. On the contrary, he has repeatedly suggested delaying the Macintosh project. Look at the situation now, isn't it like that?"
"You're saying, it's about critical acclaim without box office success."
"Haha, Intel has no new products, and Motorola has simply shifted its focus. Under such conditions, what suitable hardware is there? Even releasing next year would be early. It's best to liaise with Intel."
"Mmm, got it. I'll talk to Intel."
...
Science and technology are about gradual progress. There's no such thing as leapfrog development, and William White saw this clearly.
Besides, nowadays, William White was no longer just a rich country bumpkin. Whatever he did, someone would pay attention. If he really came up with some groundbreaking tech, it would be quite a headache.
For William White, this gamble was already a big win. All he needed to do was share the spoils of victory. Any rash actions would be inappropriate.
...
As expected, American audiences weren't too fond of Rumble in the Bronx. Although its box office was decent, it couldn't compare to his previous successes.
Currently, William White was a maverick presence in Hollywood. No one wanted to mess with him.
Film schools are really cocky, huh? Yet they still made fools of themselves. The recent award ceremony was already being called an April Fools' joke.
White Films promptly issued a statement, saying the company would no longer participate in the Oscars. Even though we have money, not a penny is superfluous.
Ha, this statement was quite shocking. Interpret it as you will. Saying buying awards sounds unpleasant, but doesn't PR also cost money?
Our point is that PR costs are too high, so don't overthink it.
*****
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