"They intended to shove a stick into an ant bed to further the discussion, and Ellen admitted so when she stated in one of her replies that she expected flames."

Sorry, wasn't my intention, I didn't copy/paste correctly. I apologize.

But I still fail to see how this is anything more than personal anger and unhappiness.

Ellen admitted that she expected flames, nothing more. That's an acknowledgement of the obvious, given the consistent level of knee-jerk reactions regarding .NET and the general lack of understanding of its capabilities.

The strong reactions do not negate the legitimacy of their general endeavor. Again, I ask - is the legitimacy of outside endeavors dictated by how much those in here feel threatened?

Mark, I'm not trying to put words in your mouth, but let me ask you this: Yes or no, is it your belief that they knowingly did this to get a rise out of folks here?

I had someone say this to me a few years ago, and it hurt like mad. It was also some of the best advice I've ever received (and admittedly, very hard to follow some days).

It isn't necessarily directed at you - but it certainly goes for some others:

"The world doesn't run on your feelings."

Kevin