This is not about "the FOSS community". It doesn't matter if you developed closed-source or open-source, doesn't matter if you license your software with AGPL or NULA, if you make a comment that's seemingly transphobic/misogynistic, people WILL freak out.
The reason you might see this occur more frequently in open-source spaces could be sue to the fact that issue trackers and PRs provide much less filtered responses than corporate social media accounts and blogs.
The issue I have with Ladybird is that the remarks were made *by one of the "lead" developers". In a huge project with thousands of developers, it is inevitable that some of my code is made by a person with unsavory views. However, I dislike the fact that such a person is in charge of the project.
I have no problems with the code itself. Code is code. But it is moreso the leadership of the Ladybird Foundation that bothers me. I'd like for one of the options to come true:
Andreas apologizes for his actions and acknowlege the recklessness of his words
The Ladybird Foundation has a change in representation
The project is forked and maintained by a different corporation
Personally, I'm excited about Servo. Not only due to the leadership, but because it is made Rust. As we all know, Rust has a carcinized logo that gives you the legal right to spam rocket (🚀) emotes.
BiglyBT is also open source and available on Android (never used it myself).
BiglyBT is advertised as the most feature-rich free-as-in-freedom option for Android. However, it seems unmaintained, especially when compared to the desktop version.
Also, it has a HORRENDOUS UI. I prefer function over form so it isn't important for me, but some folks might find that important.
I don't care however convincing the bot is. I go to the fediverse to interact with genuine thoughts from genuine people, not just fancy autocompletion machines.
Brigading was definitely not a justified act. That was wrong and extreme, and shouldn't have been done. However, this still doesn't excuse the closing reply to the PR.
People are losing their shit ... over comments in the source code and a single line of documentation?
This is quite ironic, considering the first person in the PR to "lose their shit" seems to be the person who closed the issue.
Personally, I'd want my software to value basic human decency, no matter how good the code is. If the developer lashes out at an inclusive change in a single line of documentation, I'm not using that browser even if it could solve my taxes.
This is just my take though, and if you want to use the browser, then go for it.
It takes no effort to refuse a PR without making a comment that even the basement dwellers of /r/conservative would have realized would be sensitive and politically charged.
The developer literally said he’s not opposed to gender-neutral language
It isn't really important what the developer claims; if they don't act according to their claims, then there's no point. Even I know how to build sandcastles in the air.
I personally got very negative vibes from that comment. It takes literally nothing to merge/refuse the PR. Instead, he replied with an extremely charged and hostile statement.
Grammar PRs are common in open-source projects. Ladybird has had fair amount PRs relating to grammar, that have been merged. Are those not "cruft in that doesn't advance the project technically"? What's so specific about this PR?
Also, if a person cannot see the effects of their statement on such a charged topic, then that showcases blatant stupidity and obtuseness.
I've checked out the PR, and it does look bad. But I'd like to see a justification. The comment seems blatantly transphobic/misogynistic. Seems like you're saying that my understanding is extreme. How could yours be refuted?
Brigading was clearly not justified, but as per my apparently extreme opinions, so isn't the original reply?
This is not about "the FOSS community". It doesn't matter if you developed closed-source or open-source, doesn't matter if you license your software with AGPL or NULA, if you make a comment that's seemingly transphobic/misogynistic, people WILL freak out.
The reason you might see this occur more frequently in open-source spaces could be sue to the fact that issue trackers and PRs provide much less filtered responses than corporate social media accounts and blogs.