A Journey of Redemption: Revisiting a Controversial PC Building Guide
In 2018, The Verge published a guide on constructing a new PC that sparked significant controversy. While some viewed it as subpar, others in the tech community were outraged by its content.
The Fallout from the Original Guide
The backlash against the video was so intense that it even earned its own page on Know Your Meme. Critics pointed out numerous critical errors and odd recommendations, including an unusual focus on power consumption and an excessive application of thermal paste. Eventually, The Verge decided to remove the original video due to its failure to meet their “editorial standards,” although the written guide remains accessible online. This decision came after author Stefan Etienne faced severe harassment, including racial abuse, prompting The Verge to issue takedown requests for several videos that criticized their approach.
Turning Point: A New Perspective
Fast forward to today; instead of dwelling on past mistakes and negativity from internet trolls, we can focus on a positive development in this narrative. Linus Tech Tips recently released a video featuring Etienne aimed at revising his previous build. In this new installment, they revisit the same fundamental process while incorporating updated insights and corrections along the way.
Etienne displays remarkable resilience throughout this experience and candidly shares how he felt abandoned by The Verge during the production of that initial guide. Together with Linus Sebastian, they dissect each point from the original tutorial not only to suggest improvements relevant for 2021 but also to provide context about what transpired behind-the-scenes during its creation.
Navigating Controversy with Grace
This latest video had quite a challenge ahead; addressing past issues without reigniting old flames could have easily led to further complications. However, by inviting Etienne back into the conversation and maintaining an amicable tone throughout their discussion, Linus managed to transform what could have been another contentious moment into an engaging half-hour exploration filled with valuable insights.
rather than simply rehashing old grievances or perpetuating negativity within tech communities online, this collaboration serves as an example of growth and learning from past experiences—showcasing how constructive dialogue can lead us toward better practices in technology education.