Count me in the "couldn't care less" column. Yay for the peaceful transition (though I think we've got it down now), boo on all the hullabaloo.

Zeldman's POV is distressingly common in the Web Design community.

It's a shame. I wouldn't think so if they (talking about more than just Zeldman, here) took some positive position. Less "that's stupid" and more "here's an idea that I think is better."

I heard somewhere that some Vietnam War protesters asked Mother Theresa to participate in a protest march. I hear that her response was something along the lines of, "I won't march against anything. When you have a march for something, give me a call." I have no idea if this is true or not, but I agree with the sentiment.

It wouldn't bother me if these folks advocated for something positive that I might disagree with. But name calling and sneering is not helpful, and only detracts from the value I see in them as skilled designers with good (design) ideas.

BB, your observation brings up an interesting aspect of blogging, one that might be described by the old proverb "familiarity breeds contempt." For the first time, blogging makes "celebrities" or "experts" accessible in very personal ways. The obvious risk is that the audience which previously revered the bloggers for their technical expertise or talent finds that on another level, they just don't like them (that phrase is left intentionally vague as to direction).

I hope that anyone who blogs understands the risk that the personal will inevitably affect the professional. We're all entitled to our "voice," but we all must also live with the consequences of speaking it.