I don't see how comment history makes a separate comment more truthful. If anything, it makes people less likely to have proper critical thinking because they know you.
Which is exactly what he points out about your comment, but related to Apple. You know Apple thus you're less likely to criticize them properly.
It doesn't mean what you wrote is entirely wrong, but I think he has a point. MS is very harshly criticized for any security issue, no matter how small, and hey, that's probably a good thing.
For Apple if there's any possibility we find them.. excuses.. really? (and the "I don't know anyone who used file vault before!" sounds terrible, to be honest)
tptacek has been the most prominent defender of Microsoft's security practices on HN for years. Everything you guys are saying about how Apple get off easy while MS get slammed, he has said repeatedly and more coherently. And out of direct experience to boot.
It just didn't happen to be - and still isn't - relevant here.
My point is that it doesn't matter.
For example if you follow my thread of comments some are going to be rated way up and actually be pretty insightful.
You'll notice sometimes I'm also wrong and make errors. You could get a strong opinion of me either way (good, or bad) by reading that.
If we were to know pretty well each person (like they do in smaller forums or places where the nickname and history is highlighted), we'd always agree and disagree with the same persons in general (there's always exceptions).
And the person's reply was made on a single post, which I think is the way to go.
I don't know if HN nicks are small and history not as easy to follow as in some other sites on purpose, but I like it.
Now, I've been way off topic, sorry :)
Slightly more on topic tho: MS ain't perfect security wise either, even thus they've made huge progress. Microsoft research also has very interesting attempts such as Singularity or Gazelle. I don't know any other company doing that. That's one place I'd want to work for MS.
Which is exactly what he points out about your comment, but related to Apple. You know Apple thus you're less likely to criticize them properly.
It doesn't mean what you wrote is entirely wrong, but I think he has a point. MS is very harshly criticized for any security issue, no matter how small, and hey, that's probably a good thing.
For Apple if there's any possibility we find them.. excuses.. really? (and the "I don't know anyone who used file vault before!" sounds terrible, to be honest)