You're right, but I think he's actually accomplished two things - one is to create useful publicity outside the mailing list, and one is to minimize drama on th

You're right, but I think he's actually accomplished two things - one is to create useful publicity outside the mailing list, and one is to minimize drama on the mailing list. I guess I assumed the latter of those two meanings. Also I interpreted it as a more general claim, not specifically about this fairly unusual instance where nerd talk interacts with stuff that's in the public consciousness.