It is sad - and disgusting - to see this degree of arrogance in bluntly categorising those who use (or build) PCs (and not Macs) as indulging in bullshit!
I am happy that you have found a useful computer in Mac. At the same time, though, please realise that hundreds of millions of computer users choose otherwise too. And, please do not conclude that they have time for bullshit just because of that!
I guess you are both very young; I used to think eating was a waste of time in my 20s. I was dreaming of having a nutrition drip so I didn't have to waste time cooking or eating. But nothing beats cleaning or doing laundry imho.
> I'm pretty sure bullshit is relative.
On the other hand if you have more free time than money then buying a Mac would probably be not the best decision.
Context is important and I don't think OP was generalizing that every PC user is a fool. It's just not the right thing for him personally since he got kids and would rather spend time with them.
This seems perfectly justified and fine to me; I don't get why you're so upset by it.
Because harsh expressions are usually gratuitous. Because blanket assertions are usually wrong. And, because combining both is rude.
(This applies to parts of PG's essay as well!)
For instance, did you really need to say `Whoa whoa slow down' when you began your reply? Did that add value?
This never happened though. The parent simply stated they didn't have time for bullshit then said they purchase Macs so they don't have build PCs. He / she simply stated what they considered important. It was personal, there was no blanket assertions at all and it was in the same tone as the article so what was gratuitous in this context?
> For instance, did you really need to say `Whoa whoa slow down' when you began your reply? Did that add value?
I certainly did due to the outlandishness of what I replied to. It sounded two orders of magnitude harsher and more personal than I would have expected especially on HN.
You took the worst possible interpretation of the original comment and then took it, out of context, as a personal attack. Then you posted a very nasty reply. Then, when you got called on it, you claim rudeness on the other parties.
Think about that. Re-read the entire thread. Because you not only missed the point of the OC, you missed the point of the original essay.
1. I liked to do an activity before.
2. I don't do that activity any more, nor like it.
3. I am older, so I must be wiser (or else I wasted my time)
4. Therefore the old activity was bullshit all along. All hail my personal development.