OSNews

I'd rather not put up with rantings and baseless opinions from either side. Inappropriate is inappropriate, regardless of where it comes from. One of the reasons I prefer OSNews over other news aggregators like Slashdot or Digg is the much higher quality of both the articles and the commentary. There is some fan-boy-ism, as there is everywhere, but it tends to be better balanced and even more informed, I've found.

As one of the more vocal critics of Eugenia's actions wrt the Linux Hater, I did not intend to defend my statements - they should stand on their own merits - and am generally immune to name-calling. But this notion that we should have let this action stand on the basis that "it's just her opinion" and "everyone should be entitled to their opinion" is disingenuous and must be addressed. That I or anyone else disagreed with her was not (or should not have been) the issue. There is a right way and a wrong way to put forward your opinion.

I am not a troll, nor even a platform zealot. I am an OS enthusiast, which is why I am here. I think all OSes should be criticized and commended, when appropriate, in a fair, honest and open fashion, with the goal of enlightening and informing readers.

I did appreciate that Eugenia brought a viewpoint was at odds with the opinions of most of the readers here. I regret that she will no longer be contributing. I also find it unfortunate that the some of the more zealous among us seized upon this opportunity to initiate name-calling and knee-jerking of their own. Two (or three, or four) wrongs do not make a right.

I would have even ignored the whole issue if Eugenia linked the LH clearly as being a humourous take on the issues that Linux faces. But she didn't, she linked it as a serious article and made it clear that she takes his opinions and point-of-view seriously.

I also would have forgiven the profanity and blatant intention to offend if the LH said anything of real substance. Old, recycled opinions, that attempt to be appear fresh with liberal use of profanity? Just because this sort of behaviour is common on the Internet does not mean it should be encouraged.

I, too, welcome our new editors, and look forward to reading their contributions. I offer a bit of advice: you may not be real 'journalists', as Eugenia pointed out, but that does not mean that professionalism is not a worthwhile goal.