Apple Fans To Protest Jobs' Macworld AbsenceApple Fans To Protest Jobs' Macworld Absence

A miffed Mac user is asking fellow Apple fans to protest Steve Jobs' decision not to participate in next month's Macworld conference by remaining absolutely silent during a keynote presentation by Jobs' stand-in.

"Let there be no applause, no whistling just utter and complete silence," wrote Lesa Snider King, on a Web page she posted in order to publicize her campaign.

Apple earlier this week stunned the tech world with its announcement that Jobs would not deliver his annual keynote at Macworld -- a platform that he's used previously to introduce high-profile products like the iPhone -- and that Apple itself would pull out of the convention following the 2009 show in San Francisco.

Apple said the Macworld 2009 keynote will be delivered by senior marketing VP Philip Schiller instead of Jobs. That's not good enough, says Snider King, who claims she's "mad at Apple."

"By announcing their departure from this beloved show hosted by IDG, Apple is sending a message to the entire community -- professionals, hobbyists, media, Mac User Groups, and even IDG themselves -- that they care nothing for the community who supported them through thick and thin," Snider King wrote on her Web page.

IDG, Macworld's host, said in a statement this week that it has no plans to discontinue the conference, despite Apple's withdrawal.

"We are obviously disappointed in Apple's decision not to participate in Macworld 2010," IDG said. Still, the company added, "We look forward to many more successful years of Macworld to come."

The news of Jobs' decision has revived speculation about the CEO's health, which has come under scrutiny given his gaunt appearance at times.

Apple said it merely wants to use new venues to reach potential customers. "Apple is reaching more people in more ways than ever before, so like many companies, trade shows have become a very minor part of how Apple reaches its customers," the company said in a statement.

Apple noted that it has been scaling back its appearances at other trade shows, including NAB, Macworld New York, and Apple Expo Paris, in recent years.