[lqet]

> Religion is a touchy subject. Oddly enough, as I have come to discover in these pages, so is Apple.

This has also been my experience. I know people with whom I just avoid talking about Apple. Personally I just accept that Apple is their religion (some of them have Apple bumper stickers) and that religion is something deeply personal.

[Veen]

There are people who develop a religious fervour for brands, but I too often see that used as an excuse to dismiss legitimate arguments and preferences. Some people seem to develop an almost religious antipathy to brands and their customers. If Apple fanatics think Jobs or Cook are Jesus-like, the detractors seem to cast them as one rung up from Lucifer.

It's assumed that if you prefer Apple products, it must be because you're brainwashed or ignorant. The possibility that there are rational reasons for preferring Apple and its ecosystem is rejected with no consideration.

[MaxBarraclough]

It's curious that Apple have been more successful in inspiring this kind of zealotry than have the FSF. The power of good marketing I suppose. As I indicated in my other comment in this thread, I think such 'corporate fanboyism' can be considered a kind of immaturity.

[ghaff]

I would say the FSF certainly has. It's just a far smaller group. Probably smaller than the group that finds them rather off-putting. And, of course, far smaller still than the group that doesn't care if, in fact, they've heard of the organization at all.