EDIT: Also, it's a bit of a silly remark because which group of programming language fanboys doesn't look a bit cult-ish to the uninitiated?
Wizardry and magic has positive vibes in American culture. I can see how that might not be the case in others.
I get that meaning might be lost in translation, but also think that it's fair to assume the worst, esp. on an Internet forum.
As per HackerNews Guidelines page [1]:
Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith.
I, on the other hand, will upvote your comments because they add context to my own.
It could be a compliment of course, like "wow, this stuff is amazing tech wizardry that should be much more appreciated, and probably would be if not for the language barrier!"
Let's just agree that natural languages are too fuzzy and ambiguous and assume good faith.
Major part of old-timers (from Rebol era) in our community are indeed Czech people, but Red development was initiated in France, moved to China, and now bridges people across the whole Europe.
Putting such emphasis on nationality without any clear reason IMO looks strange and raises my eyebrow, to say the least.
> To be “a real Christian” is a compliment, but to be “a real Jew” is considered an insult.
Besides, a warning shot won't hurt anyone.
There was no offense being given. In my experience there isn't sympathy for crying wolf here, and doing so only serves to harm whatever else you have to say.