That’s a risk you take, but it’s also part of the role too. I’m not saying that it’s acceptable for the community to be hateful toward them, but you should expect some level of criticism and scrutiny, some will be constructive, and some will most definitely not.
There are most definitely better ways a community can provide feedback that doesn’t come across as personal attacks or overly emotional, but as a public figure in the IT world, you also have to accept that you have some responsibility in how you consume that feedback so that it gets evaluated in an impartial way. You have to understand that the commenter is passionate about the topic at hand, they’re upset, and while it may seem very personal sometimes, they are most definitely more upset at the design than they are with you personally.
There will be people you can’t convince, no matter how hard you try. But I think in those cases there is the potential to find some common ground even with them, “throwing them a bone” so to speak to appease their frustration and problems without necessarily compromising your own design goals in the process.
Compromises go a very long way to building a healthy and engaging community.
I disagree, I don’t believe there is ever any justification for something like a 1200 post thread about Guardian druid during the BFA alpha/beta cycle just falling on deaf ears. The only excuse is either Hubris, lack of caring, or both.
I wish I could have the same sentiment but I’ve been burned too many times now. I want to see action and thus far nothing convinces me I should refund my pre-purchase.