A recent mistake by a reporter at the Bloomberg business newswire almost had the hearses showing up at the home of Apple creator Steve Jobs.
It’s a common practice for media organizations to update their pre-prepared obituaries regularly. They keep these death notices of newsworthy figures on-hand so they can print them as soon as possible upon news of the person’s death. And although Steve Jobs has pancreatic cancer (he was diagnosed in 2003), the mistake was in no way a suggestion of declining health or any health issues for that matter.
In case you’re curious, though, the obituary contained 2,500 words that described and praised the technology giant for his work in helping to “make personal computers as easy to use as telephones, changed the way animated films are made, persuaded consumers to tune into digital music and refashioned the mobile phone.” Recently, he’s gained more attention for his creation of the iPhone. This expensive gadget has become a status symbol (much like Cadillac hearses for wealthy people after they pass away) for the busy business person and other people who like to look important.
The website published a retraction shortly after removing the obituary from its website.
