Much of the other HN message board centers on the tone of the conversation. I think an important message that shouldn't be lost is:

Emulate Linus' style in commit messages if you wish.

Don't emulate the abrasiveness in his style of communicating (unless you have a track record as good as his).

Indeed, very intense; especially when Linus was throwing out statements like, "The truth shouldn't be sugarcoated." I had to believe there was something concrete behind it, however, and I was glad to see that there was.