Forking Linux: Shoot the Messenger?

“Moron! Idiot! Clueless shill loser!”

As a professional journalist for over 20 years, I’ve taken my share of below-the-belt hits and personal attacks. After all, when you write about a topic – OS design and implementation – that’s near and dear to so many, you’re bound to bring out the zealots from time to time. However, nothing prepared me for the degree of vitriol hurled my way by the true believers in the Linux community.

First off, a point of clarification: I am a white, heterosexual male of Irish descent. Referring to me via certain racial slurs normally directed at the African-American community and typically espoused by members of the “redneck” subculture has little effect. Perhaps you’re confusing me with the Harvard University professor of the same name (who is in fact an African-American)? I believe he wrote a book with a title that includes this particular racial “epithet.”

As for the reader who suggested some creative uses for gerbils and duct tape, I simply have no response. However, the people at the local humane society chapter want to have a chat. How does Friday at 2PM work for you?

On the subject of compensation, I’ve made it perfectly clear that I am not being paid to author this blog. Microsoft doesn’t sign my paycheck and the home I live in was bought and paid for by yours truly. And to the reader from Omaha: At no time has any part of my anatomy been in contact with any part of the anatomies of Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer or that “fascist pig from SCO” (his words, not mine).

Finally, to everyone who felt personally offended by my previous entry: Don’t shoot the messenger! I’m just calling it like I see it. And if and when someone provides me with a convincing rebuttal that’s devoid of profanity, racial slurs and/or personal insults, I’ll most certainly reevaluate my position. Until then, can’t we all just get along?