Techies aren't generally known for their silver tongues. So what happens when technology companies bring grief to their customers and users? The wise ones apologize, take input, and provide reassurance.
WIRED has compiled a list of "Biggest Tech Industry Apologies of 2010 (So Far)." Included are:
- AT&T (NYSE: T), which in June "apologized for a hack that exposed thousands of iPad customers' email addresses and vowed to work with law enforcement to prosecute those responsible."
- After taking heat for automatically exposing which users communicated with one another via their Buzz profiles, Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) had to step up. "We're very sorry for the concern we've caused and have been working hard ever since to improve things based on your feedback. We'll continue to do so," blogged a Google manager, according to WIRED.
- Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL), which "apologize[d] to everyone who encountered difficulties" with its iPhone 4 online ordering and approval systems. The problem forced many customers to head out to the company's physical stores to place their orders.
- WIRED also called out Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for writing a "sort of non-apology apology" in The Washington Post in May.
Actions speak louder than words in this industry, and the biggies can bounce back from mistakes, especially if they learn and improve. Which companies have bungled apologies? Did it matter in the long run? Let us know in the comments section below.
