@lapcatsoftware > It’s always a bit surprising to discover that I’m disliked by someone I’ve never heard of. My reputation precedes me. Earning followers brings some enemies too. I don’t know whether that’s inevitable or merely a consequence of the way I’ve personally earned a following.

I think the explanation is simpler. I’ve seen you, multiple times, be unnecessarily rude to strangers online, even unprovoked. Someone’s polite opinion or disagreement is faced with an aggressive tone which only escalates the vitriol. It is difficult for people to remain civil when confronted with aggressiveness, and that will of course affect their judgement of you.

From someone who used to be much like that: It takes fewer words to be nice than to be rude, with no loss of clarity. Those who claim the contrary have either a skill issue or enjoy being rude (neither of which apply to you, I believe). But it does take extra mental effort when it’s not one’s default mode.

On the subject, I highly recommend the “This is Water” speech by David Foster Wallace.

Being nicer is oh so worth it. Not only does it save face (few things are worse than being rude and wrong), it prevents misunderstandings and fights, which in the end saves you more time and clear head space. More importantly, it has a significantly higher rate of success at changing minds.