Just thought I'd kick in my two cents on this. I know Bruce thinks it best not to respond, but after reading the article I felt compelled. And I think that, with careful composition and a clear head, it's possible to argue with an idiot and not look like one.
Maybe I'm wrong; you be the judge. Here's what I sent them. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 24 Apr 1997 04:38:57 -0400 (EDT) From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Chris Hanson) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Linux, the PC program from hell I have just read the April 20 "Sounding Off" article and find it to be extremely offensive. I am a professional computer programmer and electrical engineer with 20 years of experience in this field. I use the Linux operating system for most of my work. In sharp contrast to Mr. Hewson's opinion, I believe that Linux provides an extremely productive environment. This belief is based on extensive experience using many operating systems, including Windows, DOS, and OS/2, and several versions of unix. There are some problems with Linux, as there are with all operating systems. It is well known that Linux can be difficult to install, and that it is not as friendly to beginning users as some other systems. But Linux has advantages as well. Linux is faster and uses less memory than most other PC operating systems, including Windows. It is far less prone to system crashes and lockups, which are a common problem on all of the Windows systems, particularly Windows 95. And there is an enormous body of software that runs under Linux. This software is freely available from hundreds of computers on the Internet. I can only conjecture that Mr. Hewson went to his local computer store, which for obvious reasons doesn't sell free software, and concluded that there isn't any software for Linux. Mr. Hewson is entitled to his opinion, and perhaps the sarcastic tone that he uses to deride not only Linux, but also users of Linux, is considered acceptable at the Times. But I resent being referred to as "bug-eyed", "strange", and "obsessive"; I'm sure my wife doesn't think of me in that way and I would hate for my children to do so. I am a responsible and respected member of my field, and when the Times chooses to publish such an article, you show a lack of respect for the talented individuals who make the Times possible through their design and construction of the computers and software that you use every day. Mr. Hewson could have written a reasonable article, presenting his negative experience in a rational and calm manner. Instead, he chose to "liven up" the article by means of insult and sarcasm, and by attacking the many satisfied users of Linux rather than the flaws in Linux itself. What this article demonstrates to me is his ignorance and his disregard for others, and consequently the poor judgement of the Times editorial staff in allowing such an article to be published. Chris Hanson Principal Research Scientist Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Massachusetts Institute of Technology -- TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS MAILING LIST: e-mail the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Trouble? e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] .
