I have always thought of the Mac community a strong alliance and one that has a certain amount of influence over what Apple may or may not decide to do with regards to future products. This is the power of democracy and to some degree that has been taken away.

2005 is the year of the blog and nobody can stop this thriving phenomenon. So I agree with you, Apple should jump on to the insiders who leaked the information and leave itsbiggest fans and allies alone. Besides its not as if we have not been close to the mark before, so why now.

But seriously, unless (1) you personally signed an NDA, or (2) the post also includes pictures, especially those from leaked manuals or screenshots, all you’re doing is reporting information. Apple has no right (legally, AFAIK) to demand you remove simiple text. Especially if you aren’t alone in reporting it; strength in numbers.

If the information was leaked by someone who -did- sign an NDA, they’re probably leaning on your to get at your sources so they can prosecute them. That’s John Gruber’s theory [http://daringfireball.net/2005/01/plugging_leaks]:

“If you break an NDA to supply me with information, I’m not bound by the terms of the agreement you signed.”

“Apple wants two things here. First, they want the identities of Think Secret’s sources…. the second thing Apple wants: to discourage future leaks.”

The fact is that Apple probably has a valid claim. But suig Ciarelli was not smart.

See analysis and other links here:
http://blawblawblawg.blogspot.com/