I second this. This isn't some internet troll that should simply be ignored. If left completely unchallenged, the base assumption by many not familiar with the context will be to take it at face value.
On the contrary, I think publications like Venturebeat are, quite literally, the professionalized form of internet trolls. If I'm right, it's definitely not a good strategy to engage with them.
Well...there are many that might not see them like that. I, didn't view them as that. Partly because I don't pay much attention to them, but when an interesting article that they wrote appears on HN I would read it.
But now, I am much more likely to read it with a skeptical eye - and possibly not even read it altogether.
This cuts to the heart of journalism.
It's the equivalent of the WSJ or NYT writing a hit piece on either campaign, just to find out that the author's wife/husband is a top advisor for the candidate - without them explicitly stating that in the piece.
The most ironic thing about the VB piece, is that the title is: "Paul Graham’s ‘lowball’ accusation of Google Ventures may hide an ulterior motive".
How ironic that allegations surface that may hide an ulterior motive for VB.