I think you're not realizing how ubiquitous TeX, and the executable `tex` are. It seems like a bad idea to overlap with something so commonly already installed.
Neither did the low effort comment that didn’t finish reading my previous one, nor did it explain new information about how tex is a bad name. The entire point of this thread was that just saying it has the same name isn’t really helpful.
All that said, yes, it was harsh and needless, thanks for calling me out, we can all be better.
I did make it to the end of your comment. Your comment presupposed the reason us nerds (how is this an insult on HN of all places?) didn't think the name was a good idea was searching and branding. I was saying my problem with it was overlapping executable names. This wasn't new information in the comment section as a whole, but judging by your comment it seemed to be new information to you.
It makes sense that you wouldn't use TeX at Redhat, but as a professional mathematician, I've never met anyone in math who doesn't use it. Different fields use different tools.
> we can all be better
Sure, but I didn't, and won't, directly attack you or your work. My sin was 1) omitting that it is ubiquitous in mathematical sciences in particular, and 2) simply not realizing you already knew the info about the executable name I brought up and just didn't care. Since you didn't even mention the only part I cared about with the name I thought it was new information for you. Show some charity.
It’s tough to put all the context out there - obviously I’m guilty there too - I don’t even think searchability is a real reason, and overlapping executables are a thing but still not that tricky for most folks who are using a CLI.
I’m mostly annoyed with how every time something like this happens lots of people just comment on the name and not the substance of the project, it’s such a huge distraction.
I studied solar physics but my PIs were in their 70s so all drafts were reviewed in MS Office. I would have liked to have a reason to use something more classy, but that’s how it goes.
I appreciate your reply, and I apologize for being an asshole. I’ll take this with me as I try to be less of an asshole going forward, if you search my history it may look like I never learn, but I’m always trying :)
At work someone got annoyed with the phrase assume good intentions, and proposed an alternative: ask compassionate questions. I’ve been thinking a lot about this and I will try to do that next time I start making assumptions or before I blow my lid on a stranger, and it shouldn’t matter that you’re obviously a decent person, but I still appreciate it.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. On the original topic, I actually think we agree for the most part. On the slightly broader topic of people complaining about names too much in general, I totally agree. I have a bad habit of pitting my self against all sides of internet debates (like I said above, I'm a mathematician, and that totally extends to my personality in some fairly stereotypical ways).
> ask compassionate questions
I like that! One of my favorite online communities formed around a blog where the first post explicitly talked about the principle of charity, but it's not always obvious how to actually follow through with the idea. This is a really good way to do it.
