Read on Twitter
People in some of my group chats seem puzzled by recent stuff bubbling in tech Twitter, so I figured it might help for me to (falsely) assume the persona of someone who knows things, and publish a kind of FAQ. So I hope this FAQ is helpful! 
Q: Why are some tech people saying tech journalists are terrible people, that publications like NYT are pernicious, etc.?
A: Because in their view, tech publications publish too many negative stories on tech companies and tech people. So some tech people are seeking to demonize, marginalize, and intimidate people they think are most responsible for those stories. Also, they crave attention.
Q: Some tech people claim outlets like the NYT are essentially oppositional to the tech industry, and rely too much on baity tactics. Isn't this true?
A: It's mostly true. NYT in particular is rife with cringey columns and shallow trend pieces. And occasionally sneering commentary. But it's even more rife with important investigations, great storytelling, and useful information. The NYT is still a net positive for tech.
Q: I saw a tech reporter trolling and disrespecting a tech person on Twitter. So it's reasonable for tech people to work together to disparage that reporter, right?
A: Tech reporters on Twitter are humans on Twitter and therefore often jackasses. The best thing to do in these situations is to briefly mock them and show them that they were stupid. And then maybe be nice to them again the next day, because why not? Twitter lets you do both!
Q: OK, even if NYT does mostly good, to help my friends in tech, it still might be fun to join the Twitter brigading against journalists and publications, because hey, I'm team tech, right?
A: No, because you'll look like a total pussy. If you have a strong and/or ethical company, NYT will not hurt you, so why broadcast that you're a snowflake?
Yes, criticize reporting. Mock publications/reporters for specific failings. But don’t use Trumpian harassment tactics.
Yes, criticize reporting. Mock publications/reporters for specific failings. But don’t use Trumpian harassment tactics.
Q: I saw someone tweet that I should never talk to the NYT because they'll turn my words against me. Is this true?
A: If you suspect the story could end up negative because of something you or your company have done or said in the past, then yes, be very vigilant. Not talking is sometimes the wise option. But notice a more fundamental issue here: they might have a *reason* to go negative!
Q: Is the movement against tech journalists the dawning of a new era of citizen journalism, where experts route around gatekeepers and ultimately suffocate the NYT?
A: You should totally go direct using social media platforms whenever it makes sense, but avoid voicing *that* particular view, because it's a clear tell that you're a total moron (sorry).
