Note: Please read through first.

But fighting the bullshit won't make it go away. If there is any infinitely replenishable resource, it's idiots. Your energy is much better spent contributing constructively in some way (write code, file bugs, translate documentation, answer user questions, or whichever other of the myriad activities a project requires, or any combination thereof). Trying to flame sense into clueless thickheaded know-it-alls (sorry I'm using such language; you really have to experience the atmosphere at the heise forums, Slashdot is civil in comparison) isn't going to help anyone - not even the clueless thickheaded know-it-alls. All you can do is spend your time on something actually worthwhile and hope for some personal growth experience for the idiots.

Note that when I'm referring to someone as an idiot, I'm referring to attitude rather than (as I said elsewhere in this thread) any lack of skill or experience. I also very rarely do it at their face - or to anyone else behind their back for that matter. Usually, I try to be helpful, and just ignore them and move on if my attempts remain fruitless.

Arguing only gets you so far, and flaming is entirely wasted time.

Makeshifts last the longest.