outofprint:

I’m an outspoken critic of a lot of things. While I may sometimes go over the top with my criticism, I definitely don’t hand it out to just anybody.

Initially, I knew nothing about Gary other than that he was being plugged by the Tumblr honchos. That wasn’t in itself worthy of criticism, but it wasn’t a great association to start out with.

I brought up the issue of using Tumblr as a way to shovel publicity around, and while not saying anything outrightly offensive about Gary, I poked fun at the issues surrounding him.

When I noticed he had started following me, I immediately grew respect for him, not only because I’m a glutton for followers, but because it shows a lot of maturity to listen to those with whom you may not agree or those who may not present themselves in a way prostrate to being necessarily agreeable. I don’t know his opinion, if he has one, about me, but it’s likely that if he did have a problem with something I said or vice versa, it would be handled through respectful dialogue.

Today, I got around to watching some of his videos, and I have to say, my original opinions, which I didn’t voice, were unfounded. Assuming that he paid or was buddy-buddy with the Tumblr royalty had made me think he was probably of their ilk. On the contrary, he’s quite endearing, accessible, intelligent, and modest. Nothing like the David, Julia, Jakob, and Rex clan.

In my eyes, he’s a welcome addition to Tumblr. Let’s just hope he’s giving David some advice on public imaging in return for the plug.