The following is an unedited copy of my letter to Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple. Be sure to check back for updates!

Dear Mr. Jobs;

A few days ago I dropped my brand new iPad on Sentinel Bridge in Yosemite Valley; Heartbreaking, let me tell you. I called Apple Care, and Heather in Sacramento informed me of my options. Hey, $303 to replace it, I can live with that. I’ll own my responsibility in dropping it–and $300 is way cheaper than another $550 to buy another one. Understand that I’m a room inspector at Curry Village. I make a paltry $10.97 an hour, but I’ve got one hell of a view here in Yosemite. I’ve learned to live close to the bone so that I can live here and be a photographer. The iPad is the perfect way to share my photos, and I scrimped and saved to buy one. So I said yes, but when she offered an express swap (she did explain that a hold would be placed on my card) I knew I couldn’t afford it at that time, and opted for a regular swap. She told my I’d be charged for the replacement when they got my iPad.

Mr. Jobs, I got home tonight, ready to place an order with my print lab (Aspen Creek Photo) for a couple of 20″ x 30″ prints–and went to check just how much I had in my checking account. I’m overdrawn by $22+change. I’m going to miss out on a special they are offering. You see, I was going to wait until next Friday, my payday, to ship back my iPad. I’ve got some overtime, and I would have been able to afford paying for the replacement, no problem. I probably won’t get the shipping box until Thursday because of Memorial Day. Piece of cake, or so I thought. I had about $200 in my account. But now I’m facing at least $30 in overdraft fees–pocket change to a man who now is in control of the second most valuable corporation in America, but it means a tank of gas, or several prints, or heck, a goodly portion of a bottle of Bowmore single malt whisky. It’d buy me a shot of Lagavulin and a snack at the Ahwahnee bar, if I were the sort to frequent that fine establishment here.

I was going to buy some Almond scented Dr. Bronner’s soap at the Yosemite Village Store tonight; Thankfully I have other soap to use when I shower.

I was going to buy some molly bolts to reattach my coat rack to my dorm room wall. I’ll have to continue stuffing my coat in an overcrowded closet, and hanging my bathrobe over the back of my chair. My shower bag (sans the Dr. Bronner’s soap) will have to be a trip hazard on the floor of my room.

I would like to have put gas in my car for a drive up to Glacier Point tonight to do some night shooting, but that’s going to have to wait until this is resolved. I’m hoping I don’t miss the opening of Tioga Pass–because it would be the first time I haven’t driven over to Mono Lake on opening day in 4 years, something that brings me incredible joy. I’ve only got less than 1/2 a tank of gas, and at over $3.60 a gallon it ain’t gonna happen. Well, ok, I might be able to make it to Mono Lake and back if it opens. If I coast down Lee Vining Canyon…so I’m just out a trip to Glacier Point. BTW, I drive a 1999 Saturn. I’ve owned it since 2001. It’s paid for! It gets good mileage. But mountain driving, well, I’m sure you understand. Maybe 30 MPG.

Instead, I’ve got an iPad that has a spectacular spiderweb on the screen, no box to ship it in, and no money until this is resolved. Yeah, it sucks to be me right now.

On the other hand, one of my neighbors just gave me a Hornsby’s Hard Cider, and that has taken some of the rough edges off the world. My hope is that you’ll look into this matter, and help me out.

Here’s the pertinent information: Serial Number: V5016D4ZZ38
Case ID: 162767761

Finally, I’m really a nobody. Seriously. I don’t have a gazillion readers on my blog–right now I have (checking…) 145 subscribers. Peanuts, I know. But this whole saga is going on my blog. I feel kinda like a roaring mouse. Stop it–I can hear you laughing, Mr. Jobs. A copy of this letter is going up there, with the serno and case ID. Also, a copy of your reply, if any, will be posted. Fair warning is fair warning.

Finally, I’m really glad your health has improved. Rich or poor, being sick sucks big time. And should you need a break from Cupertino, I’d be delighted to show you around Yosemite, and show you some of the better places to photograph. Provided, of course, that this issue is resolved to my satisfaction.
Edie

http://LittleRedTent.net/LRTblog