Why would other people’s tastes in music grind your gears like that? Sure, most citizens of the world wide web could make a better effort to word their opinions more… decently, but there’s nothing wrong with disliking the current direction Linkin Park has been taking, nor is it to strongly prefer the music they put out during their nu-metal era. Haters are going to hate, but you shouldn’t let them interfere with your positive vibes.
What really grinds my gears, besides any rude comments considering personal taste, are people who claim you can’t be a fan if you don’t like (insert band’s) new musical style. To each their own. There’s nothing wrong with only liking the old stuff, for instance, only I can agree with you that arguing about it is pointless and rather immature. I love Deftones’ newest album, but I absolutely dislike what both Depeche Mode and Linkin Park have released so far and I’m not going to put either albums on my IPod. I still consider myself to be a fan of both, albeit I do not enjoy listening to their newer music. I guess the difference is that I’ve stated my opinion politely and I leave room for other ones, including those of the band.
What really grinds my gears, are the fans not leaving any room for others to dislike any band’s new musical direction. Both parties can be extremely unpleasant about their stances. I used to be the kind of fan that would kiss my idols’ butts and continuously defend them in a very annoying way and now I cringe when I read my own old comments, as I catch myself having done that. Ugh. Live and let live.