Harry McCracken Interviews Apple Ad Man Ken Segall

computer history museum logoFormer Apple ad man Ken Segall was interviewed by Time editor-at-large Harry McCracken in a special presentation at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA. Segall published a book earlier this year about his experiences called Insanely Simple that posited "Simplicity" as the driving force behind everything Steve Jobs did.

Apple's unique advertising strategies have contributed greatly to the growth of the company in recent years and the discussion is worth watching for anyone interested in Apple's marketing. Segall and McCracken cover a wide variety of topics during the 1-hour discussion, including an extensive Q&A session at the end.


One topic that Segall addresses during the interview is his comments about Apple's recent 'Genius' series of ad spots -- TV ads that some felt missed the mark. He notes that there were a number of ads that Steve Jobs approved that were received poorly in the past, including the first iPod ad which featured a dancing iPod owner.

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Top Rated Comments

H. Flower Avatar
167 months ago
The concept for that ipod ad was brilliant, it's just the execution was subpar.


The concept for the genius ads was awful and fundamentally flawed.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iBreatheApple Avatar
167 months ago
Steve was a brilliant man. :apple:
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
840quadra Avatar
167 months ago
Moderator Note

While one can easily come up with a few off camber jokes about the interviewer's name, they would be off topic, or worse, possibly offensive.

Please stick to discussion on the story, or relevant issues related to it.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
blucable Avatar
167 months ago
It seemed to me that the 'Genius' campaign was more focused on attracting clients to the Apple Stores, where a Genius would be very helpful to assist them with solving any problem they may have, and how friendly, accessible and helpful they can expect a Genius to be.

I really think people missed the point and got angry because of that.
Well, I'll watch the video later to see what Ken Segall had to say about it.

That's what I am saying, some scrubs got angry too quickly, but if you are a true geek, these commercials will make sense to you. I personally liked them all 3 and made me lol too.

BTW, thanks apple for not calling these products macman lol:D
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moonlight Avatar
167 months ago
I am an ass

Not to be an ass, but these front page "posts" about Ken Segal and his new book are sounding more and more like front page "ads" for his new book. Does Ken pay Macrumors to post these? What is the deal? Or am I paranoid? Either way, Ken is not that reliable as a source and I don't feel deserves to be front page news every time he says the word Steve Jobs in public. /Rant over
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kirky29 Avatar
167 months ago
The dancing iPod guy looks like Masood (the postman) from Eastenders...

Edit: It is him! Nitin Ganatra.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)