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It's worth noting he grew and changed his communication approach. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/09/linus-torvalds-apologizes-for-years-of-being-a-jerk-t

It's worth noting he grew and changed his communication approach. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/09/linus-torvalds-apologizes-for-years-of-being-a-jerk-takes-time-off-to-learn-empathy/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/09/linus-torvalds-apolo...

freedomben 3y ago
Yes absolutely, this is classic Linus before he changed his approach. He's really made tremendous progress and I hope this post doesn't come off as modern criticism. It is more intended as a fascinating historical look into how thinks used to be, especially since the Linux kernel's userspace policy is fairly unique and something most people don't know how strongly Linus feels about it.
taeric 3y ago
Also worth pointing out that this particular incident is one that folks largely agree with him on? Many are against offensive language, of course, but a prudish enforcement of polite language is its own tyranny.
- mcdonje 3y ago
  >prudish enforcement of polite language is its own tyranny No argument from me in principle. But coarseness of language and interpersonal tone are on different dimensions. IMO, the berating was the problem and not the swearing. There are other ways to express the seriousness of the problem without berating people. Linus obviously felt there was a need to communicate in ways that are more beneficial to the community. And as far as I know, he came to that conclusion not because of language police, but by seeing the effects his language has on the community he leads.
  - taeric 3y ago
    My memory of this time was that it wasn't seen as completely out of line. That said, I confess I was thinking this was another set of changes. Can't remember the specifics of them. That said, without the swearing, this... is still a pretty harsh berating. And it was only called out because of the swearing, per the headline. Edit: For the change in tone from him, that was also the zeitgeist of the year he made that commitment, as I recall. Not a bad one to make, but I am also not clear it has been followed up on. Would be very interesting to see an analysis on that front.

freedomben 3y ago

Yes absolutely, this is classic Linus before he changed his approach. He's really made tremendous progress and I hope this post doesn't come off as modern criticism. It is more intended as a fascinating historical look into how thinks used to be, especially since the Linux kernel's userspace policy is fairly unique and something most people don't know how strongly Linus feels about it.

taeric 3y ago

Also worth pointing out that this particular incident is one that folks largely agree with him on? Many are against offensive language, of course, but a prudish enforcement of polite language is its own tyranny.

mcdonje 3y ago
>prudish enforcement of polite language is its own tyranny No argument from me in principle. But coarseness of language and interpersonal tone are on different dimensions. IMO, the berating was the problem and not the swearing. There are other ways to express the seriousness of the problem without berating people. Linus obviously felt there was a need to communicate in ways that are more beneficial to the community. And as far as I know, he came to that conclusion not because of language police, but by seeing the effects his language has on the community he leads.
- taeric 3y ago
  My memory of this time was that it wasn't seen as completely out of line. That said, I confess I was thinking this was another set of changes. Can't remember the specifics of them. That said, without the swearing, this... is still a pretty harsh berating. And it was only called out because of the swearing, per the headline. Edit: For the change in tone from him, that was also the zeitgeist of the year he made that commitment, as I recall. Not a bad one to make, but I am also not clear it has been followed up on. Would be very interesting to see an analysis on that front.