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A clinical psychologist has looked at the recent brouhaha between iPhone owners, Apple, and AT&T and come up with a theory. Steve Jobs is the overbearing, tyrant father who knows what's best. Dad dictates exactly what you can and can't do with "your" phone. AT&T is the stepmother, newly married into the family. Some kids are happy with the arrangement and perfectly willing to live by the rules. Others are rebellious, defying the parents and doing what they want without regard for the consequences.

In truth, both groups (the goody-goodies and the naughty ones, whom we'll call hackers or independent developers) dearly want the approval of Dad, and long for him to take some pride in their endeavours.

Apple users have long been the rebellious ones, refusing to play by the rules in a Windows-controlled world. Apple launched a multiyear ad campaign on that very premise. Should anyone be surprised when the kids start acting out? It's doubtful that Jobs can keep the rebellion under control through sheer force of will. What's he going to do — ground his users?

Apple won't be able to keep the iPhone locked down any more than record companies can keep music from being pirated. Eventually both will have to embrace the "kids" and figure out a way to keep the family together — otherwise we'll have many years of therapy in our future. (Photo by acaben)