1. kevinnugent's Avatar
    In BlackBerry's letter to customers, a stiff upper lip | ZDNet

    Clever:

    By Andrew Nusca for Between the Lines | October 14, 2013 -- 21:08 GMT (08:08 AEST)


    Have you seen BlackBerry's latest letter to its customers? It's a doozy.

    In it, the company tries to defend its (increasingly untenable) position by talking itself up with only the slightest recognition of the significance of the company's problems. Instead of facing the truth head on, the Canadian company put out a restrained press release meant to satiate shareholders�not customers, as it proclaims.

    Reading it is like watching Lance Armstrong admit his Tour de France doping to Oprah Winfrey: painful.

    So let's take a look line by line, shall we? In italics, the company's original words; in bold, my "translation." Don't take it too literally�it's only Monday, after all.

    ***

    To our valued customers, partners and fans,

    To our extremely attractive, well-mannered and generous shareholders,

    You�ve no doubt seen the headlines about BlackBerry. You�re probably wondering what they mean for you as one of the tens of millions of users who count on BlackBerry every single day.

    We know you've seen the headlines. We know you know what they mean. We're writing this to convince you otherwise.

    We have one important message for you: You can continue to count on BlackBerry.

    Unless we're sold. In which case, you can count on whoever buys us. (Maybe.)
    How do we know? We have substantial cash on hand and a balance sheet that is debt free.

    We may have stalled mid-air and are plummeting toward the Earth, but it's still a little ways away, OK?
    We are restructuring with a goal to cut our expenses by 50 percent in order to run a very efficient, customer-oriented organization.

    If we put our arms out wide, the air resistance will help cushion our fall. (Oh, and we weren't customer-oriented before, by the way. Sorry about that. But now we are! Come back!)
    These are no doubt challenging times for us and we don�t underestimate the situation or ignore the challenges. We are making the difficult changes necessary to strengthen BlackBerry.

    We know it's bad, you guys.
    One thing we will never change is our commitment to those of you who helped build BlackBerry into the most trusted tool for the world�s business professional.

    We still love you, even though you walked away. (P.S. We still have a poster of you on our wall. We kiss it every night.)
    And speaking of those dramatic headlines, it�s important that we set the record straight on a few things.

    We really hate tech blogs. Like, really. They're the worst. They're all, "OMG Apple!" and "BB10: DOOMED" and "10 ways Google REALLY IS evil." Doesn't it get old?

    Best in class productivity tool.

    You know you love our physical keyboards. Just admit it.

    We have completely revamped our device portfolio this year with the launch of BlackBerry 10. We have four BlackBerry 10 devices � two all touch and two hybrid (touch and QWERTY) � and all are running the third update of our new platform. If what you care about most is getting things done � taking care of your business � we have the best range of devices for you. And we continue to offer the best mobile typing experience � no ifs, ands or buts about it.

    Did you know we have new phones? We have new phones. They're not as bad as the old ones. Really.

    Best in class security.

    Besides, you don't really trust Apple and Google, do you?

    Governments all over the world, global corporations and businesses that simply cannot compromise on security choose and trust BlackBerry. Security is our heritage, and the industry recognizes that BlackBerry is the most secure when it comes to the device, server and, of course, our global data network. Have no doubt that you can continue to trust us to keep your communication safe and private.

    Well, "chose," anyway. Except for the few of you who stuck around. You folks are the best.
    Best in class enterprise mobility management.

    Really, though: Apple? Google? COME ON.
    We changed with the market, embracing BYOD because we understand that as iOS and Android devices become common in the workplace, businesses still need to manage all of these different platforms seamlessly and securely.

    We've come to terms with the fact that you left us! Really!

    This is not a trivial task. While there are a number of startup companies that make bold claims, BlackBerry has more software engineers and the most resources dedicated to developing the most innovative solutions to address this complex challenge.

    Once we're done slashing our workforce for the umpteenth time, we'll still be bigger than your favorite startup. EAT IT, SILICON VALLEY.
    And our customers know it. Over the past quarter, our BlackBerry� Enterprise Service 10 server base grew from 19,000 to more than 25,000. Corporate clients are committed to deploying and testing the latest enterprise technology from BlackBerry. We are committed to evolving with our customers. That will never change.

    You may hate our handsets, but we know you don't really trust Apple and Google. Look! The numbers prove it!
    Best in class mobile social network.

    We can tweet! See? 'RT @BlackBerry: LFMAO.'
    We are bringing the most engaging mobile messaging platform to all, with our BBM launch for Android and iPhone.

    We cn txt 2. C? 'U THERE? J/K LOL.'
    There are already around six million customers pre-registered to be notified of our roll out. This number is growing every day, and speaks to the tremendous opportunity we have to expand BBM beyond BlackBerry smartphones to make it the world�s largest mobile social network.

    Face it: Yammer sucks.
    Yes, there is a lot of competition out there and we know that BlackBerry is not for everyone. That�s OK. You have always known that BlackBerry is different, that BlackBerry can set you apart. Countless world-changing decisions have been finalized, deals closed and critical communications made via BlackBerry. And for many of you that created a bond, a connection that goes back more than a decade.

    We're as rare as a fine Bordeaux. Own something that no one else has: BlackBerry!
    We believe in BlackBerry � our people, our technology and our ability to adapt. More importantly, we believe in you. We focus every day on what it takes to make sure that you can take care of business.

    But seriously, do you guys believe in us? Pretty please?


    You trust your BlackBerry to deliver your most important messages, so trust us when we deliver one of our own: You can continue to count on us.

    'To read the rest of this message, please sign in to BBM with your BlackBerry ID. If you don't have a BlackBerry ID, you can create one now.'
    Sincerely,
    The BlackBerry Team
    10-14-13 10:04 PM
  2. Bold_until_Hybrid_Comes's Avatar
    Fairly accurate take on it
    10-14-13 10:05 PM
  3. amazinglygraceless's Avatar
    THIS made me laugh
    We're as rare as a fine Bordeaux. Own something that no one else has: BlackBerry!
    10-14-13 11:05 PM
  4. Rickroller's Avatar
    What's next.. Ads in Craigslist?

    Sent from my Nexus 4 now Free
    10-14-13 11:21 PM
  5. bennelong's Avatar
    Cyberspace Journos with little imagination, even less to offer and a sycophantic sense of humour CAN be payed actual money to twist somebody's words! Unbelievable...
    (There's hope for every High School drop-out yet)


    Z10 via CB10
    tmanthib, j1m0h, gfondeur and 2 others like this.
    10-15-13 01:40 AM
  6. Brutal Efficiency's Avatar
    That's disgusting.

    He's obviously never used a BlackBerry 10 device.

    PS - Who uses BES10 because they don't trust Google or Apple?

    It's to avoid jacking, dangerous software, and to manage devices. Does he even know what BES10 is?

    BlackBerry & Nintendo Alliance. Bring Pokmon to BlackBerry 10. Bring BlackBerry Bridge to iPad and Android Tablets!!
    tmanthib likes this.
    10-15-13 02:06 AM
  7. sportline's Avatar
    Yeah yeah. Very smart geek.

    Posted via CB10
    10-15-13 02:25 AM
  8. wuulfy's Avatar
    Anyone else find the world of tech journalism just a little bit odd?

    Posted via CB10
    10-15-13 03:14 AM
  9. m1a1mg's Avatar
    This is a totally fair response to BB's BS letter.
    10-15-13 06:12 AM
  10. badiyee's Avatar
    This is a totally fair response to BB's BS letter.
    how is this BS? At the very least they are doing something. Damn be doing, damned not be doing. What do you expect them to do? You got a better solution that doesn't have to use a time machine?
    tmanthib, gfondeur and jafrul like this.
    10-15-13 08:12 AM
  11. gordon griffith's Avatar
    Didn't find that fluff blogging even mildly humorous, well written or intelligent. Pure fluff trying to be journalism.

    Posted via CB10
    10-15-13 08:28 AM
  12. Dunt Dunt Dunt's Avatar
    how is this BS? At the very least they are doing something. Damn be doing, damned not be doing. What do you expect them to do? You got a better solution that doesn't have to use a time machine?
    Because it is useless to trying a "calm people" when the future of the company is up in the air and they have NO CONTROL over what is going to happen in the next 6 -12 months. BlackBerry is GOING to run out of MONEY... only thing that will stop that is a buyer with deep pockets. Fairfax can't even come up with the money to buy BlackBerry... they will not have the money to "save them" and will have to sell of pieces to provide a return for their investors. BlackBerry had to issue the letter even if it is no more true than any of the statements that Thor made about the launch.. But people don't have to buy it, anymore than they have been buying BB10.
    10-15-13 08:31 AM
  13. badiyee's Avatar
    Because it is useless to trying a "calm people" when the future of the company is up in the air and they have NO CONTROL over what is going to happen in the next 6 -12 months. BlackBerry is GOING to run out of MONEY... only thing that will stop that is a buyer with deep pockets. Fairfax can't even come up with the money to buy BlackBerry... they will not have the money to "save them" and will have to sell of pieces to provide a return for their investors. BlackBerry had to issue the letter even if it is no more true than any of the statements that Thor made about the launch.. But people don't have to buy it, anymore than they have been buying BB10.
    If I buy a BB10 phone, what's it got to do with BlackBerry going down, other than losing support? Its not like a phone losing support has never happened in the past now, or is it that fundamentally different?

    then again, since you said its "futile" to calm the people down, what do you expect them to do? roll up and die?

    You may glee about it, but I don't think any businesses that still have the will to keep surviving should be denied. In this case, its still an idea and a step done, when people seem to think that nothing can be done; at least they done / did something. Or nothing be allowed to done for the matter.
    10-15-13 08:35 AM
  14. chopachain's Avatar
    And the bashing continues. Not funny at all.
    10-15-13 08:51 AM
  15. JasW's Avatar
    And the bashing continues. Not funny at all.
    Really? I thought it was pretty funny. Then again, to me it's only a phone.
    10-15-13 09:00 AM
  16. badiyee's Avatar
    And the bashing continues. Not funny at all.
    I assure you, people will continue to kick somebody / something that's already down, just to have a fit / go at displaying their pseudo-superiority, evidently much displayed here at Crackberry.com forum users.
    tmanthib, j1m0h, pcguy514 and 4 others like this.
    10-15-13 10:35 AM
  17. Toddboy71's Avatar
    Because it is useless to trying a "calm people" when the future of the company is up in the air and they have NO CONTROL over what is going to happen in the next 6 -12 months. BlackBerry is GOING to run out of MONEY... only thing that will stop that is a buyer with deep pockets. Fairfax can't even come up with the money to buy BlackBerry... they will not have the money to "save them" and will have to sell of pieces to provide a return for their investors. BlackBerry had to issue the letter even if it is no more true than any of the statements that Thor made about the launch.. But people don't have to buy it, anymore than they have been buying BB10.
    Fairfax can't come up with the money to buy them? You realize that buying BlackBerry would be barely a decimal point on their balance sheet, right?
    deezy87 likes this.
    10-15-13 10:45 AM
  18. OzarkaTexile's Avatar
    That's disgusting.

    He's obviously never used a BlackBerry 10 device.

    PS - Who uses BES10 because they don't trust Google or Apple?

    It's to avoid jacking, dangerous software, and to manage devices. Does he even know what BES10 is?

    BlackBerry & Nintendo Alliance. Bring Pokmon to BlackBerry 10. Bring BlackBerry Bridge to iPad and Android Tablets!!
    From BBRY SEC filing: "Delays in the launch of certain functionality of the BES 10 platform and alternative competitor products in the market have resulted in a slower-than-anticipated rate of adoption of the BES 10 platform by enterprise customers"

    Enterprise customers are installing "test servers" but they're not buying. BES may be the brightest spot for Blackberry, but it's sinking with the rest of the ship.
    10-15-13 11:08 AM
  19. SK122387's Avatar
    Thank you, ZDNET?????????????
    10-15-13 01:39 PM
  20. richardat's Avatar
    Blackberry: "You can continue to count on BlackBerry.

    How do we know? We have substantial cash on hand and a balance sheet that is debt free.....

    so trust us when we deliver one of our own: You can continue to count on us."


    how is this BS? At the very least they are doing something. Damn be doing, damned not be doing. What do you expect them to do? You got a better solution that doesn't have to use a time machine?
    If I buy a BB10 phone, what's it got to do with BlackBerry going down, other than losing support? Its not like a phone losing support has never happened in the past now, or is it that fundamentally different?

    then again, since you said its "futile" to calm the people down, what do you expect them to do? roll up and die?

    You may glee about it, but I don't think any businesses that still have the will to keep surviving should be denied. In this case, its still an idea and a step done, when people seem to think that nothing can be done; at least they done / did something. Or nothing be allowed to done for the matter.
    ....and that it can be called BS....you answered your own question (gave one of several possible valid answers)..
    10-15-13 01:55 PM
  21. The Big Picture's Avatar
    Obviously biased. This is really journalism at its worst. If I was a manager there I'd fire the author. Its like a broken hearted teenager wrote this.

    Posted via CB10
    kbz1960 likes this.
    10-15-13 02:18 PM
  22. The Big Picture's Avatar
    The American media has got it in for BlackBerry and it's easy to see why.

    Posted via CB10
    10-15-13 02:19 PM
  23. kbz1960's Avatar
    The American media has got it in for BlackBerry and it's easy to see why.

    Posted via CB10
    It's is? Why?
    10-15-13 02:41 PM
  24. Dunt Dunt Dunt's Avatar
    Fairfax can't come up with the money to buy them? You realize that buying BlackBerry would be barely a decimal point on their balance sheet, right?
    That is a pretty big decimal point, ever for Fairfax.

    I have no idea how much "cash" Fairfax leaves laying around, or how much of a risk Fairfax is willing to take on BlackBerry. But the "offer" was based on a a consortium to be led by Fairfax. But by most reports the other people in the consortium aren't really excited about this deal.

    But my point is that the buying pricing is going be only a down payment to getting BlackBerry turned around and profitable again. Does PW have the power to spend $7, $10 maybe $12 Billion dollars to buy BlackBerry and then investing into rebuilding the brand and then relaunching a finally completed BB11?

    Because until "someone" does that, no one is really going to put confidence in the future of BlackBerry. Yes they need to put the letter out, but no it doesn't really alleviate any fears.
    kevinnugent likes this.
    10-15-13 02:46 PM
  25. The Big Picture's Avatar
    It's is? Why?
    Because the American economy is not doing too well. I noticed when I last visited my grandmother a month ago. Gotta keep the money and the jobs in the country.

    Posted via CB10
    10-15-13 03:01 PM
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