[fargle]

I wholeheartedly agree. It's not hating on something to prefer a different style. I can see the appeal, for example, to kids or bohemian artists.

Computer science and engineering doesn't have to be dull. But it can be fun and engaging without being trite and forced. I think XKCD has a better vibe.

[phlakaton]

It's not hating on something to prefer a different style, sure. It _might_ be hating on something, though, to choose the words "trite" and "forced" to describe it, howsoever you feel justified in using then.

[afarrell]

Agreed. Both “trite” and “forced” imply an unjustified distrust of the author’s motives.