[chmod775]

They're saying that because saying what they actually mean would paint flock in a negative light, which they likely want to avoid for various reasons.

[stalfosknight]

So they'd rather lie in their press release.

[ncallaway]

Yes.

That's...not unusual.

I would strongly to advise you to assume companies are extremely willing to lie in press releases.

[seanhunter]

It may even be that they have no alternative but to lie in their press release. Like say hypothetically they went to Flock and said “I know we have a contract saying we’re gonna do this partnership but given the optics and the amount of heat we’re getting we have to cancel”.

Flock may well have agreed on a break to the contract but stipulated that Flock had to agree to the wording of the press statement and Amazon was not going to disparage Flock yadda yadda.

[kelipso]

Huh so weird, companies never do that.

[usea]

Press releases are lies by default.

[delfinom]

Happens every single day in corporate PR.

And it's largely legal as long as it doesn't affect their stock price too much in either direction.

[Brendinooo]

“would require significantly more time and resources [to win over the public] than anticipated”, perhaps?

[bossyTeacher]

Saying bad stuff about their former business partner could get them sued.

[ponector]

It's not a lie. It's called marketing information.

[riversflow]

Yes? Not like we can prove one way or the other.

[ryandrake]

You really think someone would do that? Just write a press release and tell lies?