[latchkey]

I've met Dave in person.

I've talked to Dave on the phone.

I've written an entire web server in Frontier.

I've been an absolute dick software engineer!

Dave is a dick.

Now, we can debate all day long about how/why/what, but it really doesn't matter. He is who he is and nobody is going to change that. The guy must be in his 70-80's at this point. After all these years, he's still treating people weirdly, it must be a personality tick of his.

We can decide if we want to work with him and his stuff, or not.

  "I've made a point of reaching out to old friends in the last few weeks to see if we can work together on any projects. So far most people are still wary of working with others, it seems." -Dave Winer

We can think of him like we do Steve Jobs (and based on his ego, that's my guess of what he wants). He built something that got people's attention, but treated people poorly in doing so.

We can also decide how we want to act towards others. Don't be like Dave.