Dave Winer's Apology to Jason Calacanis
"I gave it some thought, and I decided to apologize to Jason for interrupting his speech at Gnomedex," writes Scripting News Editor Dave Winer in an August 13, 2007, post headlined "Apologies to Calacanis. "I wish I hadn't done it. It'll never happen again. That's a promise."
Then Dave had to go and say this and more: "That said, I have a lot of trouble believing that a street fighter from Brooklyn (I'm from Queens) is still having an emotional time with this. But some people are very sensitive, and I'm willing to believe, long enough to apologize, that Jason is still feeling emotional about being interrupted on Friday."
Calacanis response was, in part: "Apology accepted Dave. "
"As always, and I've said this over and over, I respect your ideas greatly and am always open to hearing how you think any product can be better. I have no problem with spirited debate (as anyone can attest to), only with the concept of berating someone while they are on stage presenting their vision." See "Accepted for Calacanis' full response.
I commented on the issue on August 12, 2007 over at The Technology Free Press. I wrote: "Dave Winer, August 10, 2007: “Here’s what bothers me about Mahalo. Jason Calacanis, August 11, 2007: ”On getting “Winered” yesterday.” Dave Winer, August 11, 2007: “Jason didn’t bring us a win-win.”
"Fellows, you’ve both vented," I added. "It’s time to move on to something else. And Jason, stop apologizing for your presentation. Almost every speaker gets heckled at one time or another. Often by someone who thinks he or she knows what’s right for everyone else. It’s just an annoying part of life."
I'm glad Winer apologized and Calacanis accepted. Hopefully, there will be cordiality the next time the two are at the same gathering.
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