Am I going to have to start using emoticons so that you know whether or not I’m angry?

No. I’m going to have to use more precise language on blogs, or more likely, comment less, since I don’t have the time to parse every comment I write. I used “anger” loosely, roughly equating it with getting one’s panties in a bunch.

I should have written, “If you don’t care enough to do anything effective about it, then why care about it at all?” I’m from the school of thought that one should not spend time on things that are, ultimately, unproductive. I also presuppose that someone who takes the time to write about something has invested some emotions into it. (I’m Humean in that regard). Hence, I leave uncriticized a lot of minor wrongs.

Of course, if poking fun is good for you, then your post is, of course, productive.

Who’s angry?  A guy can point out (and have fun pointing out) that something seems tacky, and detracts from the ambiance and good taste of a particular forum, without being angry or stomping off never to return again.  [E.g., I haven't stopped going to my favorite parks because the rest rooms are smelly and have not reached potty "parody".]   Since Prof. B. has set himself up as a maven of good taste (and has just told Princess Diana fans to get a life), I think he is fair game for a little teasing for passing around the offertory plate.  Plus, Big B can take it.
Now that you’ve been unmasked, Fedster, I must say that you’re not a member of the gender that most often acts as if every disagreement is a fight and every difference of taste a matter of important principle.  Am I going to have to start using emoticons so that you know whether or not I’m angry?

I agree with your assessment of blog ads and tip jars: They’re generally unpleasant. Yeah, yeah, I know, I have an add. But it’s for the readers, not the bread, which will more likely resemble crumbs. But who can blame bloggers with adds since, though it annoys you, you’ll still keep reading. IOW, the blogger can turn in the cash without turning away his readers. My general belief is that if something doesn’t make me angry enough to leave, then I won’t say anything unless it might change the person’s mind.

Why get angry, if the anger won’t energize me? If Bainbridge is going to keep the blog add, then why worry about it?

Of course, if readers responded to tip jars by no longer reading, then the things would likely go away.