Reputation Management Online

As Apple Inc strives to pacify the irate customers over the antennagate fiasco, its shares have tumbled to an all time low and online consumer polls show a swinging brand loyalty among its users. Apple would be wary of the media headlines that talk about the antenna flaws even today as it might result in a dip in its future sale figures. In a Reuters online poll, 56 percent people opined that the controversy made them less likely to buy an iPhone. Ever since the complaints started trickling in, Apple has so far lost about $16 billion in market value.

Meanwhile, an extensive  90-minute news conference held by Apple’s chief executive has helped to fix the public relations damage to some extent, though much remains to be done to resolve the issue . The  press conference of Apple CEO Steve Jobs that came as a surprise to many customers and investors did not touch upon the future course of action that Apple may take to sort out this mess, though it cleared the doubts of the users and  redirected their attention to the positive aspects of this coveted brand.

The company said the media had blown the issue out of proportion, but offered free cases to consumers to help mitigate any signal strength problems.

Industry watchers are betting that  despite all the odds like the pending lawsuits, poor reviews  from Consumer Report and ever increasing user complaints, Apple might not be willing to initiate  an  embarrassing recall, which might be more damaging to its well earned reputation for quality products.

The wrap around antenna  flaws of the hyped iPhone 4 had hit the headlines soon after the model was launched. So, Apple needs to come out with a proactive strategy in identifying and finding a permanent solution to this issue as any delay could prove detrimental to the establishment of iPhone 4 brand in the market. Apple has initiated  quick fix methods like offering free protective cases for the users to offset the signal problem, till it comes up with a permanent solution. It is indeed a race against the clock for Apple as it has to move past the issue quickly to ensure its brand protection before it snowballs into a major scandal.

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