I make no bones about how much amusement I get at the expense of Apple fanbois, and I have poked fun at both them and Steve Jobs many times before. With that said, I have a hearty respect for the man who was, in part, instrumental in creating the technological and mobile world we currently live in, and that I write about daily.

Steve Jobs has reportedly passed away at the age of 56, not even a full two months after stepping down as the fearless leader of Apple. While it has been known for a very long time that Mr. Jobs was not in the best of health, this still comes as a shock to many, and his presence will be missed. Whether you are an Apple supporter, or your loyalties lie firmly with another platform, the fact remains that Jobs’ accomplishments set a very high standard for all, which you and I reap the benefits of. If it wasn’t for his vision and innovation, constantly setting the bar ever higher in the tech world, the other platforms we know and love wouldn’t have that same standard to strive for.

The vultures will inevitably descend, and no doubt they are already formulating cheap jokes to capitalize on the news.

Give him the respect he deserves. It amounts to a hell of a lot. That device you are holding in your hand, or the computer you are reading this on, would not be the same without him, no matter what logo is plastered on the back.