All is fair in love and war. So the expression goes.

It’s nothing personal, it’s just business. Another time-honored expression, usually used by someone about to ruin your life.

But where exactly does business stand? Is it war? For thousands of businesspeople who follow Sun Tzu’s Art of War, business is a deadly, cutthroat war.

Fortunes are made and lost in a game of chess that involves advertising, sales figures, and boardroom meetings. Even wars have rules. Granted, not everyone follows them. But you should at least make a good show of pretending to follow them. Businesses that follow rules, whether written or not, are generally better respected. Taiwan electronics manufacturer Action Electronics has certainly crossed a line.

Taiwan-Based Action Electronics’ Latest Ad Uses a Steve Jobs Imitator For Android Tablet

Action Electronics’ latest ad for its Android-based tablet computer has made headlines across Asia. What’s so special about another Android tablet ad? The commercial features Steve Jobs, the Apple figurehead, back from the dead. The commercial in question is a spot which appeared on Taiwanese TV. Local entertainer Ah-Ken, dressed in the iconic Jobs attire of sweater, jeans, and sneakers, appears on camera with angel wings and a halo, clutching the Action Electronics tablet.

Media groups were quick to condemn the ad, calling it “tasteless” and “shameless”. But however tasteless the ad might be, pundits were quick to point out how effective the ad was. Case in point: you’re reading about it right now.

Apple fans across the internet have taken to forums to blast the ad, and the company behind it. Some commentators claim that the ad is disrespectful and hurtful. But a more cynical poster pointed out that Jobs was just another person. Is Jobs not another public figure that can be parodied, like so many others?

Many calling the act “tasteless” and “shameless”

Jobs famously called the Android OS “shit”, a fact that was much reported following the release of his biography. How would he have reacted if he was still alive? Probably with seething rage, since he was prepared to drain Apple’s coffers to take Android-OS products off shelves.

So was Action Electronics justified in parodying Jobs? Or was it poor in taste and hitting below the belt? Let us know what you think.