Hey. I've been interacting with people in a forum outside of OSNews, LWN, and my other usual haunts. It's a forum for enthusiasts of a particular type of economy car. And I must say that the experience has been ghastly. Rude. Thoughtless. And with this pervading mentality that using a lot (multiple lines) of repeating animated graphical emoticons is a sign of computer literacy. As is, of course, posting information in the form of images rather than text. You should always scan the text and post it as an image or you're just not 'leet there. And people will tell you so in no uncertain terms. It really makes me wonder if AOL did really ruin the Internet back in the 90s and I'm just now noticing.
Anyway, I wanted to say that it has given me a new appreciation of the quality of discourse we enjoy here. Our worst trolls are more pleasant to deal with than the average participant there. Which is a shame. Because there are not many alternatives to it.
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2005-06-29
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2005-08-18
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2005-07-06
Every once in a while it is good for techies and nerdies to realize that life really isn't just about the gadgets and bits and bytes and lenses and disks and wires and... but it's about people.
I appreciate what Eugenia started here. At times she's a bit gruff, but when I had problems with my computer, she was quick to offer good advice (Video and X, always fun).
I appreciate those who have come since and made this a very nice site to prognosticate, gripe and moan, and poke fun at other people's favorite OS. Thanks to Thom, Adam and David. I'm sure the Ferarris and the Macbook Pros don't make up for all the grief we put you through.
And thanks to all the thoughtful ones who are passionate about computers, OS's, gadgets and what not. I learn a lot, especially from those I disagree with.
Ok, I'm going back into the cave now and dimming the lights. My 'puters are calling me.
Member since:2005-07-24
Member since:2005-06-29
I may reveal three of my elite force Storm Hookers.
http://nwmasssmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hookers.jpg
[Mildly NSFW, but no nudity]
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Member since:2005-06-29
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2006-01-04
LWN got some traction over the last year, before that there was not a lot of discussion. LWN is technically more interesting, but the topics aren't.
Anyways, as Slashdot and then Digg really deteriorated for geeks OSnews is still a place of a fair a amount of sanity and good discourse. (Despite sometimes rabid german Linux nerds like me 
)
Member since:2005-07-24
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2005-12-07
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2005-07-24
Now the site has a whole long and vicious flame thread devoted exclusively to attacking me! There are a number of posters attacking. I have exactly zero supporters. And I think they mostly feel sincere... except for the guy who engineered it. I think I encroached on his turf there, by pointing out where he was mistaken on a couple of technical issues, and he's been fiendishly skillful at manipulating the mob. (I'm impressed.)
I don't stand a chance in hell of turning the situation around. It's really fascinating, in a sickening "train wreck" sort of way... although I'd as soon not have been the one juiced on the tracks. It's not why I went there.
But hey, I love you all twice as much as I did before. ;-)
Member since:
2006-01-23
I've been watching http://www.betanews.com for a while and it's quite interesting how base people can be. I get the feeling the majority are 20-40, working for minimum wage, and don't have any purchased software.
Lately, the site has turned to an opinion/flamebait site, which makes the comments even more interesting.
Even the worst of the arguments on OSNews can be useful, but they've become less caustic over the last couple of years. It's good to see people who care about the issues and not about starting holy wars.
