@SmartAceW0lf - Perspective
Interestingly, when I first read your comment above, a few days ago, I assumed you were being critical of the people who were attacking and insulting those in the group, like myself, who had a favorable attitude towards newer versions of Windows. Now that you have replied directly to me in another post, I have a different perspective on your comments above.
When it comes to "people skills," one thing I do know is that attitudes and perspectives have a lot to do with how people react to things and how people interpret things.
I have been visiting Tech Republic on and off for more than 10 years now, and in that time, I have found that people who seem to spend a lot of time commenting in these forums have a certain perspective on things:
1) It is ALWAYS appropriate to criticize Microsoft
a) If Microsoft changes something, it is always too hard to figure it out, or the change makes things worse, or it is just change for the sake of change. Anyone who says they like the change is immediately accused of being a Microsoft shill, or not knowing much about computers, or not having experience in the real world.
b) If Microsoft doesn't change something, then Microsoft's new products are exactly the same as their old products, and they should have changed something, and the new product is not worth buying because it is exactly the same as the old. Anyone who says the new product is better even if some particular aspect of it is the same as before is accused of being a Microsoft shill, or not knowing much about computers, or not having experience in the real world.
2) It is always appropriate to say things that are irrational and illogical. For example it is ok to say that every new release of Windows requires completely relearning everything you know about computers. It is ok to say that the small interface changes between different versions of Windows are comparable to car makers putting the drivers seat facing backwards, replacing the steering wheel with a joystick. Anyone who dares to point out the absurdity of such comments is automatically accused of making personal attacks, being a Microsoft shill, not knowing much about computers, or not having experience in the real world.
3) It is always wrong to say you are happily using something new from Microsoft. For example, one person in this thread said he installed Windows 8 on all his family's home computers. He was immediately accused of being "all religious" about Windows 8, he was accused of being foolish for installing beta software, and more.
Clearly, the perspective of many people who have posted in this thread is that it is OK for the attacks and insults to go in one direction, but it's not OK to go the other direction.
It's really no different from the religious zealots of the world who think "freedom of religion" means they should be free to impose their religious views on others, but then they get all upset when someone of a different religion demands a little respect for his religious freedom.
Rick
