The iPod Nation and the iPod Nod of Approval

You know you do it. I find myself doing it all the time. I’m talking about the glance you take when walking by someone else with an iPod player. Need further explanation? Here’s a scenario: You walk off your morning train and join the herd of fellow commuters as you walk into the hustle and bustle of the train station. You see a businessman, mid-30’s bobbing, his head to music and walking just a few people in front of you. You walk a little faster, dodging and weaving until you are finally walking parallel with the music listener. You don’t want to make it obvious, so you shoot a quick glance and then you see it: sticking out from his jacket and snaking up to his ears are white ear buds. “He�s one of us” you think to yourself as you now are staring right at him trying to get his acknowledgement. He looks back, first quickly at your eyes, then immediately to your ears. He nods and smiles. You return the favor. You smile all the way to work.

Has this happened to you? With Apple’s announcement that they have shipped out their 1 millionth iPod last week, there is no doubt that you have had the opportunity. Now for every crowded bus or train the odds are good you will see at least one other iPod user. iPods are now seen being used by celebrities, athletes, even politicians. It was, is, and will continue to be the most-coveted consumer gadget out there. You think this statement went too far? Think about it this way. When Sony revolutionized portable music with the Walkman, no matter what brand you bought, you called it a Walkman (Like calling all facial tissues, Kleenex.) And to some degree, those with Walkmans frowned upon those who didn’t have them. The iPod today is leading the digital portable music revolution. And this revolution can be backed by the iPod Nation, 1 million strong.

There is an interesting thing happening here. Some say it is the difference between the haves and the have-nots. After all, the iPod detractors are few and far between. It has never been a question about quality when deciding whether to get one or not. And it certainly has never been about the design. It has always been about the price. That’s why when I see someone listening to their iPod, I gain a new-found respect for them. I respect iPod users for paying the premium for the best MP3 player out there. As I have said before, the iPod is probably the best way to get Mac users and PC users on the same page. When I see a fellow iPodder all of a sudden my misgivings about whether they are PC users or not are thrown out the window. They are no longer an enemy; they are my brother or my sister in iPod Nation. Because they may have gray boxes at home and at work, but when it comes to their most personal time, they only trust the white and silver.

iPod Nation can make a difference. We can spread the word about how great our music experiences are. We can promote the iPod to our PC and Mac friends alike. We can push Apple to continue to advance their technology to always remain on top with MP3 Players. Sony missed the boat big time by promoting MiniDisc when they should have been promoting MP3. Let’s try to make sure this doesn’t happen to Apple. All who own iPods are granted membership to iPod Nation. Think you have what it takes to be a ranking official? If all of the following statements are true you are worthy to lead iPod Devotees.

1. You know at all times how much music you have on your iPod in Days, hours, and minutes.
2. You use that data to impress your friends in hopes to convert them.
3. You seriously debated buying the limited edition Madonna engraved iPod just to have it.
4. Even though you have one, you still go to the Apple Store and pick up the store model just to touch it.
5. You keep the Propellorheads, “Take California” on your iPod because it reminds you of the first iPod commercial.
Note: The rest of the album is really good too.
6. You consider the iPod to be the most beautiful thing you own.
7. You have read all of these statements because you truly want to be in iPod Nation.

Now accepting all applicants. Keep iPodding.