Minutes after Apple announced that Steve Jobs was stepping down as CEO, people around the world pulled out their iPhones (or some such device) and began tweeting their feelings about the news – in 140 characters or less, naturally. #SteveJobs quickly became a top trending topic.
Of the continuing flood of tweets, some are humorous, some plain silly, but most express gratitude for Jobs’ work over the years, as well as concern for his health.
Jobs has suffered from poor health in recent years and had been on a leave of absence. In a letter to the board of Apple dated August 24, Jobs wrote: “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”
He continued: “I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.”
Here’s what some Twitter users are saying about the news:
@tanvinz “Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO –Good luck to you and your health, Steve.”
@Effektive “It’s fitting that most of us will read the news of #stevejobs resignation on a device that he made possible. Thanks Steve.”
@Billy_Chea “#earthquakes on the east coast, #stevejobs resigning, this is a sign the world is ending.”
@spencerpratt “Apple says new CEO will be better, faster, and will be replaced by near identical CEO in 6 months.”
@greggrunberg “Thank you #SteveJobs for giving us all things cool, innovative, smart & mobile. Without YOU we would still be using flip phones.”
@DarryleP “Sad news about #stevejobs. Even with his ingenuity and resources #cancer is a brutal opponent. Hope he can pull off a miracle.”
@karlbright “My biggest concern about Apple – can Tim Cook pull off a turtleneck?”
@noufalmudhayan “Why’s everyone upset about #SteveJobs resignation? People plzz chill! it’s not like they’re taking away ur ipads :p”
@vengo “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter. Going to bed saying we’ve done something wonderful that’s what matters #SteveJobs”
@daveahl “You know the white Apple stickers that came in the box? Time to put them up.”
@AnthonyLawlor “Some have genius minds, others have unifying hearts, others have inspiring aesthetics. Very few combine all 3 so exquisitely.”
@dhanuxz “Why people talks about #SteveJobsas if he’s dead. C’mon he’s just stepping down as CEO. He’s even still at Apple.”
@ajdoes “Who is #stevejobs?”
