Longtime readers know I’m a big fan of Apple, but I have to agree with David Carr that the huge deal he’s made over the “stolen” iPhone has been a public relations fiasco for Jobs. It has undermined Apple’s image by drawing attention to what control-freak jerks they are. Excerpt:

Apple executives have often behaved as though the ultimate custody and control of information lies with them, and the company has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect its interests. Yet for all of its spectacular achievements, Apple is exhibiting a remarkable tone-deafness in the issue at hand. As Apple is changing into a media company, as well, its Silicon Valley brand of aggression is running up against its broader ambitions.