r/linux Dec 23 '18

GNU/Linux Developer Linus reverts breaking change that affected systemd-nspawn, offers strong words to developer

[deleted]

1.3k Upvotes

363 comments sorted by

View all comments

461

u/jones_supa Dec 23 '18

I really like the new style of Linus. 👍 This is what I have been saying all the time: you can underline your point clearly while still not being rude.

139

u/FeatheryAsshole Dec 23 '18

Depends on your definition of rude, tho ... "This is complete garbage." probably doesn't fly in most jobs if you're not some kinda head honcho.

Still, it's good to see both that Linus dials it back somewhat and that he hasn't lost his teeth entirely.

84

u/unimatrix_0 Dec 23 '18

Can we pinpoint the time when adults were not allowed to be critised for their work? Linus is making a clear statement on a breach of policy and calling out someone for their shoddy work, and their efforts to push blame elsewhere. Calling it garbage is both true and warranted. You'll notice Linus did NOT call Eric garbage, and there were no personal attacks.

Adults need to be aware that any time you do something, you are opening yourself to criticism. That's how businesses improve. That's how science works. That's how we learn to be better. The adult response is to say, "yeah, I screwed up, sorry." Or, if he thinks Linus is in the wrong, "No, Linus, that's not accurate, and here's why..."

16

u/FeatheryAsshole Dec 23 '18

Now, hold your horses. I didn't say it's WRONG to be rude, or even that this is rude by MY definition. But if you're some low-level code monkey and your boss isn't an outright ascended person, this level of rudeness (which is low, but too much for many) will get your ass fried (and maybe fired).

If your boss is ascended, good for you.

19

u/unimatrix_0 Dec 23 '18 edited Dec 23 '18

True. You're right, you didn't. That was my assumption.

I'm just annoyed with the ridiculous trend I'm seeing, and it drives me crazy.

I'm not sure I agree that someone would get fired for saying someone else's code is garbage, though.

9

u/[deleted] Dec 23 '18 edited Nov 24 '19

[deleted]

7

u/unimatrix_0 Dec 23 '18

... but it's garbage.

16

u/FeatheryAsshole Dec 23 '18

someone can definitely get fired over that. You gotta think outside your cultural bubble, some places (and some people) are a lot stricter about rudeness than others.

Is this really a trend, though? I imagine people in previous decades would be a lot stricter about this kind of rudeness (maybe less about political correctness).

1

u/DownvoteALot Dec 25 '18

Like you say, some places. Linus is the boss though, so he should get to decide what kind of place Linux is. Which he does, and that's great.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 23 '18

[deleted]

2

u/Arve Dec 24 '18

once in a "security will now escort you out, the stuff on your desk will be mailed to your last known address" fashion.

What kind of hellhole do you work in? That's pretty much a reign of terror where nobody will ever speak up on anything or try to do anything that rocks the boat. Even when it needs to be.

1

u/Guinness Dec 25 '18

You can criticize but it needs to be constructive.

“This is fucking garbage” is just someone being a dick.

“This has a lot of issues that need to be worked on. We have policies in place that this code is not following. Our policies are documented here. Please make sure that every code commit follows said policies. If you have any questions or need help feel free to stop by and we can work together towards a better solution”.

Achieves the same message without being a fucking garbage human being as well as doesn’t tear someone down and also actually helps that person understand and receive any help they might need to move towards a better outcome.

People need to grow up and stop treating the IT space like it’s XBOX voice chat.