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The First Rule of Apple vs Microsoft... | |
Posted Sep 23, 2009 - 10:11:12
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 The First Rule of Apple vs Microsoft on the Internet is that you don't talk about Apple vs Microsoft on the Internet. I think I should take the "versus" out of the middle there, as I'm not really here to talk about pitting the two against each other, but hey -- it's the popular nomenclature.
The second rule, for those curious, is that you must always wear a silly hat. This is why no one discusses the second rule.
While it's true that most people on the planet don't really care too much about either one of these companies, there is a creepy fringe fanbase for each (and I guess I should also mention Linux and Google, but the two in the title are the classics). This fringe seems to make it their mission to hunt down mentions of either company on the web and attack anyone who might say anything for or against their favored "faction."
I swear I've discussed the ludicrousness of "fanboys" and "antifanboys" at some point over the years in this space, but for the life of me I can't seem to locate that particular rant today. So rather thank link to it, I'll just reiterate something I've said a million times before:
THESE ARE JUST COMPUTERS, PEOPLE!
I read a lot of tech blogs, and whenever a new product from one of these companies comes out, there is always some idiot who feels the need to yell out "[X Company] Sucks! Everything they make is terrible!" At that point the inevitable flame war breaks out. You seriously can't ever have a legitimate discussion about the pros and cons of one company's product versus the other's without morons turning it into a frickin' holy war.
For the record, I use a Mac at home, and own an iPod touch. At work, I use a Windows XP box. I am also seriously considering picking up a Palm Pre, and my iPod touch replaced an old Windows PocketPC device. I love my Mac, but it's entirely a preference thing. Do I think its a better operating system? Actually, yes, I do. But I really don't care if you like Windows more. I see its value, and I'm not about to tell you what I think you should prefer if you tell me you like using Windows more.
If anyone ever expresses a preference though, it's like throwing down the gauntlet to these people. They take it as an afront to who they are as people. Somehow they've tied their self value into a computer operating system - and that's just plain stupid if you ask me.
Which you didn't. On the other hand, you read this far, so it means you care at least a little about what I think.
I will never understand devoted fanboyism/antifanboyism. It requires removing the part of the brain that utilizes critical thinking, and it just makes me want to cry a bit.
- Traegorn
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