Linus Torvalds expressed frustration over the use of passive voice in merge commit messages, preferring active and imperative language instead.
He provided an example of how commit messages should be rewritten for clarity and consistency across the project.
Torvalds noted that while it’s not a major issue, it does add extra work when he has to rewrite messages to match his preference.
Linus is a scary man and seems really hard to work with
The fact that Linux blossomed anyways goes to show his talent
People say things like this but he’s probably successfully worked with several hundred more people than your average worker ever will.
Why is he scary?
He said he has trouble feeling empathy and he’s working on it. When this happens he was super mean towards the volunteer work of some contributors who quit the project.
I’m not blaming Linus, I’m just saying I don’t feel like it’s a good atmosphere to work in Linux. It doesn’t feel friendly at all
Thus the scary and stressing quality
That’s not scary. The trick when dealing with that kind of review is to parse out the technical and not take the rest personally, which maybe takes a certain kind of personality.
Not being a jerk and having empathy are two necessary things to create a healthy work environment and are especially required when volunteers take from their off-time to work on your project.
I agree, but it’s really not scary
I do that by default. I have to actively think about empathy when I do CRs, because the other devs (who should not be doing these kinds of mistakes) just can’t fucking do their job right for once.
But when I am getting a review, I don’t get mad unless I am personally attacked (happened with a colleague who had a very high ego and somehow made it to a higher position, finally being let go about half a year back).