Re: Some criticisms of GNOME

[Claus Schwarm <c schwarm gmx net>]

Hi, Tom!

if it would be really just the color issue your suggestion looks
straighforward.

But did you ever noticed that bad press was stopped by a reply? 
Especially when a larger part of readers probably thinks there's some
truth in the critic?

A reply doesn't change behaviour so it doesn't fix the problem if
there's one. And, on the internet, it will make people believe their
comments will be read, and used. If that doesn't happen, it will just
lead to more frustration.

For example, the editor mail reads "I have ideas if you're interested."
Cool. If we don't ask for his ideas we're just a bunch of idiots that
won't listen. If we ask for his suggestion, but don't implement them,
we're a bunch of idiots that can't fix things even if the 'obvious'
solutions are given to them.

A reply will also look like a weak excuse for assumed errors (true or
not). The option of blogging about the critic will a) make the replier
look arrogant because it changed the place of discussion, and b) will
make replies inconsistant and weak.

And it will trigger more (bad) press because the press likes conflicts.

You can't win a discussion with a journalist.

Cheers,
Claus


On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 00:20:06 +0100
Tom Chance <tom acrewoods net> wrote:

> *Warning* KDE lurker jumping in... :o)
>
> How about just authoring a considered response or two in blogs /
> elsewhere,  then submitting your own story to Slashdot to the effect
> of "here's a  criticism of GNOME, and here's our considered response".
> Be open and honest  but also put the flamebaiting to rest.
>
> Really, if anyone can get that worked up at the lack of control over
> the  colour of the window title bar then an adult response from you
> guys will only  make the article (assuming it's similar in tenor to
> the forwarded email) look  like a childish spat covering some
> interesting issues.
>
> *Back to hole from which I clambered*
>
> Regards,
> Tom