[throwaway08320]

> mob of angry FOSS advocates

I've been at DebConfs, FOSDEMs and other events and never met any these angry advocates. They seem to be mailing list / twitter trolls.

> people like RMS who actively show disdain for proprietary software and those who use it

Do you have sources to support the claim that RMS shows disdain for people using proprietary software?

[b4ux1t3]

Point 1: I take it you've never been on the receiving end of the "Oh, you use _Windoze_" comments. The fact that "M$ Windoze" exists as a meme is proof enough that there are enough people who show disdain for proprietary software that people took notice.

Point 2: Do you mean besides his every day demeanor? Or besides his extensive essays on the evils of proprietary software that imply _strongly_ that people who use and create them are against Freedom?

Look, the vast, silent majority, as with most groups, doesn't care what kind of software other people use. The problem is, as usual, the core, vocal group of people who dislike anyone who doesn't think like they do.

[throwaway08320]

In both points you conflated, again, disdain towards software and disdain towards users.

> I take it you've never been on the receiving end of the "Oh, you use _Windoze_" comments

Actually I did. Clearly those were not insults meant against me as a user. Just like stating "beer is disgusting" or "I hate Samsung" is not insulting me for my drink or monitor brand choices.