I honestly don’t care
July 26, 2007Sometimes, when I post an opinion on OSNews, I get very little in the form of support in the comments. When I then defend myself and my position, people often say: look, Thom, nobody here supports you! Doesn’t that say something?
Well, in all honesty, it doesn’t. The people that comment are a vocal minority; most of our readers don’t comment at all. On top of that, there are people out there who’s opinion really does matter to me (in these computer related issues). I won’t mention any names. A few regulars on OSNews are part of the group, as well.
The rest? I honestly don’t care. I do and say what I think is right, and no matter how many people disagree with me, if they can’t come up with decent argumentation, I won’t budge.
OSNews | 
Yes, when an editor writes his opinion, he is shot down. In a way that they wouldn’t normally reply to another person who would write the same thing. It’s just how they think.
Comment by Eugenia — July 26, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
You and Eugenia do an excellent job. It’s easy for some to complain when they can’t properly form any constructive opinions.
Keep up the great work.
Sylvain
Comment by Sylvain Jette — July 27, 2007 @ 12:21 am
OSNews is really losing its overall maturity level lately. Most of the time I feel like a kindergarten teacher having to watch after a bunch of kiddies. It used to be a really fun place to hang out, and it’s lost a bunch of that swagger.
I will continue to frequent it though since I’ve been visiting for like 6 years now.
Comment by jayson knight — July 27, 2007 @ 3:53 am
Jayson, nothing has changed on osnews. The same kind of trolls that existed there, still exist, or new come over. The “days” of osnews being a fun place where when it had less than 10,000 visitors a day. From the moment it shot up to 200,000, it became what it is, for years now. It’s the same for all sites.
Comment by Eugenia — July 27, 2007 @ 8:15 am
This is related to one of recent Joel’s posts at:
Learning from Dave Winer
“They [comments] are a part of the problem, not the solution.”
and a follow up: The universe aligns to prove my point
Comment by inkredibl — July 27, 2007 @ 8:20 am
Well, I think the level of comments is still pretty good, certainly more mature than other places. I actually enjoy the discussions with some of the people I disagree with the most (like Almafeta, the gpl-hater). I do try to maintain a civil tone, but sometimes my sarcasm gets the best of me. Anyhoo, I think you guys do a great service, keep it up!
Comment by Tom Dison — July 27, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
Gracias for the kind words, all.
Comment by Thom Holwerda — July 27, 2007 @ 3:34 pm
Sorry but YOU care. If not, you never had written this news on your blog.
Comment by Duffman — July 28, 2007 @ 7:29 am
But do you still enjoy doing the job? I mean, it isn’t worth doing if you don’t enjoy it.
If so, you’re made of tougher stuff than I. I couldn’t put up with the venom you go through.
Comment by Johnny — July 28, 2007 @ 11:59 am
If you learn to keep your normal life separated from your online life, then it’s quite easy to handle. It also helps that I consider OSNews to be just that - a hobby. When my laptop’s lid is closed, there is no OSNews for me.
Which is slightly odd, seeing I got that laptop through OSNews.
Comment by Administrator — July 28, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
“if they can’t come up with decent argumentation, I won’t budge”
Even if they do you don’t. Care for some quotes?
Comment by anonymous — July 30, 2007 @ 11:28 am