OK, last month I dismissed the notion of Apple engaging in a medical coverup on behalf of Steve Jobs (Tradeshows, including Macworld, are a relic.). It now turns out that the S.E.C. is, indeed, taking a closer look at what Steve and the Apple board knew and when they knew it. While I have serious doubts about any malfeasance here, it's ironic that the guy who is the undisputed master of media-relations would be subjected to this kind of investigation. It's one thing to keep new products under wraps. As for the company, it's a whole other issue to mislead people about the health of the guy those folks identify as the company itself. Today's Silicon Alley Insider reports on yesterday's analyst/media conference call. I, for one, have never known what to make of executive bravado. Better to tell the truth and tell it as soon as you learn it. It'll save you and your shareholders endless heartburn. Oh -- and don't think you can have it both ways. If you're going to thrill-ride the wave that the CEO creates, be prepared to languish in dead-calm seas when there's no surf. Here's hoping that (a) Steve returns quickly and healthfully and (b) his company ensures that there's a wave-making process to succeed him someday. Good news and bad news for Apple: Jobs is a once-in-a-generation dude.
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