According to this story, a 9-year old wrote a letter to Apple Computer suggesting improvements to the iPod Nano. Honestly, listening to the video the ideas were nothing which hasn’t already been thought of, however it was the response from Apple’s legal department which ticked everyone off.

Simply stated they don’t accept unsolicited ideas and asked her to discontinue sending them. The language was probably a little cold for a kid, but that’s the harsh reality. It works the same way if you’re trying to send a script to a production company (although some do accept them). So what do we learn from this?

First, the young girl’s teacher who suggested sending the letter should have known better — we don’t live in Pleasantville. Second, suppose Apple did accept and acknowledge the idea for consideration in future products? One day this girl’s parents see the new feature and call Apple asking for a royalty and then what?

I don’t blame Apple for their response but let’s suffice to say that lawyers can be the meanest lot around.

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