Hey, thanks for checkin' in, One. Just in time, too, to provide an illustration of primate behavior.
I'd say that Tom's an alpha, at least locally, on the right side of the tree. It's stereotypical behavior for betas to come to the defense of a besieged alpha. It's also common for betas to arrive a little bit late to the fight, to get a feel for how the wind is blowing, and perhaps hoping that a wounded alpha will be more vulnerable to his own challenge. Betas can be such a sneaky bunch sometimes.
So, I understand, Tech1. You're acting according to primal dictates of your primate nature, and your actions reflect well on you as a beta. You're a good beta. Good boy. Yeah, that's a fella, expose that neck...here's a biscuit. Yeah, good beta!
Now, let's do a little social grooming on your peltpost, it'll make you feel all secure again. (Where did you think the term "nit-picking" came from?)
Do you get emotional when the server acts up? Does it change the performance of the server? Would pounding on the table help it?
Are you telling me that somebody who uses a moniker including the term "Tech" doesn't know that in fact servers and other complex mechanisms do indeed respond to human emotion? Poseur...
Tom is liked/disliked because he unknowingly wounds others egos with his posts. This naturally makes him a target because folks want to retaliate for years of perceived slights and affronts to their ego. Engaging Tom, with a critical post, often then is a form of compensation. And here folks don't necessarily target the individually personally. No need to go after the individual of one is capable of harpooning the beliefs or worldview of others - this is good enough.
Actually, no particular nitpick here, I just wanted to repeat a passage that's so nakedly an expression of beta ass-kissing.
Very few folks have freed themselves of their ego.
But you, of course, are an exception.
Granted if such egos disappeared so would most of the participation on these boards.
And I'm glad you're still with us, SDAI-Tech1!
Really, I am. No senseless flame would be complete without this little trip into the vortex.