OSNews and smiling
May 8, 2009Sometimes, I ask myself: why do I do it? Why is the first thing I do in the morning to check the web for new stories to clear the submission queue, to try and get any really hot news out there as quickly as possible? Why is that also the last thing I do before I go to bed?
It’s not that I feel underappreciated - oh no - it’s just sad that some people have the apparent urge to deride your work every chance they get. No matter how much you improve things, no matter how much you listen, no matter how much you try to cater to their needs, there is always this small, but very vocal group of people who feel like they’re entitled to more. Like I owe them something. Like they can boss me around and order me to do things because they somehow think they “know” how to run a website.
The problem is that most of the people that read OSNews are silent readers. They don’t have an account, they don’t comment. So this small and vocal group have this delirious idea that they are a majority, because they are too stupid to realise that OSNews’ readership is much, much, much larger than the small group who regularly comments.
And me, I have to accept all their bossing, whining, entitling. I have to suck it, swallow it, and if I don’t smile while doing it, they’ll threaten to shove it down somebody else’s throat.
You know what? If you don’t like OSNews, you are free to go somewhere else. Heck, you can even start your own website. In fact, I urge you to do so. I hope it will be a massive success, that you’ll have lots of visitors.
Then we’ll see how truthfully you can smile.
OSNews | 
Is that spite you feel then?
Keep up the good work, I appreciate it (and I’m the only one that matters?).
Even I cant tell if comment is sarcasm or not, I am starting to see where you are coming from…
Comment by Haydenm — May 9, 2009 @ 5:17 am
I feel the exact same way. More of in a spectator’s seat since you seem to get the brunt of everything, but sometimes I’ll get a taste of it, too. It’s really bothersome, and I do what I can to let the trolls know that they’re not the ones running the show (not much, but it’s something). Anyway, you are greatly appreciated, one of the reasons being that I’m currently not writing nearly half as much content as you are (again, I’m planning to change that come June).
It’s a bit funny because I only just barely got a whole lot of loving from a troll or two– not at OSNews specifically, but involving an article I wrote a while back as well as my personal credibility. You can find it on my blog if interested in reading it. I was attacked and called immature and my article discredited, but then, after I posted defending myself and my article, several people piped in, restoring my faith in online humanity and making me feel warm and happy inside.
Here’s to more smiling. **lifts Word Perfect mug of hot cocoa despite the fact that it’s finally warm outside**
Comment by Jordan Spencer — May 9, 2009 @ 7:37 am
Let unregistered visitors vote.
Comment by Dimitar — May 9, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Recently I participated in a bicycle tour in my town (Hilversum) showing remaining historical WWII artifacts. I counted on 10 other participants, the organizer hoped that 40 people would show up. At the starting point the square was packed with approx. 250 people.
The organizer handled this perfectly, splitting up waiting for all to show up so everybody could hear the explanation.
Yet still people complained:
- too dangerous soo many people riding together;
- too long waiting times;
Some do not get it.
Fortunately some do understand, and tried helping out by guiding traffic, and managing the crowd.
As soon as you strat doing something visible to other people, they will voice their opinion. Pick the usefull comments and try not to be bother by the rest.
Keep on the good work at OS News.
Comment by anonymous coward — May 10, 2009 @ 7:50 am
Hello my name is Jakob, I’m a silent reader of OSnews and have been for some time.. :)
Just kidding, but I think I understand what you’re saying, it can’t be easy maintaining a popular OS news site, and still please all readers - silent or not.
I love how you and your fellow writers keeps me updated, so if any annoying readers ever get you down or on your nerves, just think of all of us silent guys and girls out here who appreciate your work. :o)
*hug*
Comment by Jakob B. — May 10, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Because you’re insane. I would never put up with me.
Comment by Soulbender — May 12, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Hi Thom,
I’m one of your ’silent reader’ :)
I never comment or register just because I don’t have that great knowledge and capacity to comment, but the comments and articles in OSNews are very, very informative. I learn a lot from there.
I think you run the site great, and like others had said already, no need to please every single user that visit your site. You simply can’t, no one can. I love reading OSNews, and I like your article too ! Keep up the good work !
Sorry for my bad english btw.
Comment by bertzzie — May 13, 2009 @ 2:28 am
Amen to that blog.
Comment by Kaj de Vos — May 13, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
For what it’s worth, OSNews is also the first website and frequently the last website I check each day, and often many times in between.
Don’t kill your zen by trying to be a crowd pleaser. Just know that for every 1 irritable person out there there are several thousands who just enjoy OSNews for what it is. That’s some pretty great numbers, as far as I’m concerned.
I found OSNews by accident several years ago, and still enjoy reading it daily.
Just remember those numbers mentioned above. Seriously.
Comment by Karrick McDermott — May 26, 2009 @ 1:26 am
You’re doing a great job Thom. I’m one of those silent readers.
Keep up the good work, but don’t burn yourself out.
Best regards,
Elvis
Comment by Elvis Stansvik — May 28, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
You make a good point about not having an account, I think I was reading something the other day I wanted to comment on and then I had to have an account so I didn’t….maybe things wouldn’t seem so silent if you opened up your commenting to openid etc…..??
Comment by Tim — June 21, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
From what I have read (from the comments section), some people like to complain because it obviously makes them feel more important than they actually are. In reality, they don’t realized that much of us probably they are idiots and just dismiss the comments.
Keep up the great work.
Sylvain
p.s. Maybe in stead of complaining, they could use their energy to be more constructive…..
Comment by Sylvain Jette — July 1, 2009 @ 2:09 pm