We can’t discuss Dave Winer with his participation so we talk about him. And we want to know everything. He is a fascinating character. For all time.

I thought his vanity and ego at age 31 were interesting. Especially this quote: “I have a specific agenda. The single most important goal in my life is to be responsible for at least some part of how people use computer technology in the future.” The guy’s been obsessed with his legacy for decades.

Also, the part about how older never-married men experience “frustration, discontent, depression and phobic tendencies” is kinda funny, given our armchair psychology about why he treats people like shit.

But in a larger sense, Winer considers himself an important public figure and a lot of undiscerning reporters share this opinion. Scrutiny of his private life wouldn’t really be out of bounds.

Fact is, though, that there’s no “criticism” here at all… this is a blog about Dave Winer. It’s just as much about him when he’s right as it is when he’s wrong, and it’s just as much about him as a person as it is him as a professional.

“I’d like to be able to play basketball with my kids — before I get too old.”

Too late.

(now see, that’s a low blow)

btw, i got a laugh out of his butt kissing arrington in today’s post. for the record, arrington’s a loudmouth and not at all hip to the big picture. but winer is desperate for friends these days and he’s really obvious with this one.