Apple Throws Discussion Boards to the Snakes

Where has Apple been since the second invasion of Iraq???

Recently, Apple decided to jettison its forum support team and turn over control of their heretofore well-moderated Apple Discussion Boards to customers with apparently few, if any tools to self-police or a heritage of self-governance to inform their actions in a post-dictator era.

Cooperation in online communities is the product of either strict control, well-evolved norms, customs, conventions, and self control mechanisms, or a combination thereof. Apple had strict control. They transitioned their discussion boards to self-rule without giving their customers a chance to evolve into a self-governing community, at their own pace. The result was predictable. What a pity, for Apple's customers and their shareholders.

Related post: Creating Self-Governing Online Communities.