Wow, Joyent comes across very poorly.

For the record, I support using gender-neutral pronouns; I actually support the original pull request. But it seems inarguable that:

    1. It's a minor change  
    2. Node.js, like many projects, rejects minor changes  
    3. It was rejected for being a minor change  
    4. Joyent reacted amazingly unprofessionally

In particular, I have concerns both with the way the initial decision was reversed (this seems like an abuse of Joyent's power over the project), and in particular with their remarkable blog post. Following a project's guidelines on accepting a commit is "gobsmackingly inappropriate"? Really? I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that attitude from someone in Joyent's position. And as for their pointed comment that they would have fired Ben if he worked for them...really? Boy do they sound like a barrel of fun to work for. "Follow the rules or be fired; unless it's a rule we decide isn't important, then we'll fire you if you do follow it. Have fun guessing which one is which!"

I use Node.js professionally, and I will continue to do so for now. My opinion of Joyent, however, is dropping rapidly. Node.js will either grow beyond them or die.

Edit: Rephrased the language to better reflect my opinion. Had too much hyperbole in the first draft.