This post is in reply to Forking Mad and their post Dark web sites.

I disagree with many people on many things. I think people who love Windows are a bit disillusioned. I think people who worship at the alter of the GOP or the Democratic party here in the USA are mostly fools. I disagree with people who think broccoli is the best vegetable.

But maybe the most outrageous take ever is that light modes are the best. I get that they have great contrast, but beyond that, they hurt your eyes. That’s not science talking, because there are studies on both sides of that debate (like there is with every debate), but instead it’s pure experience. It’s also my opinion.

But the thing is, I don’t care if you use a light theme on your website. I’ll just use Dark Reader to make it a more appropriate theme. Forking Mad, one of my favorite bloggers, has this to say about dark themes, however:

Here’s the thing, dark sites are harder to read for those with degraded vision. You’re discriminating - simple as that.

As someone who has degraded vision, I would thank you not to speak for everyone. But beyond that, there’s a fine line between discrimination and entitlement. It is literally impossible to cater to everyone. Maybe in this case it would be easy. Offering a switch for light and dark theme might even be something I’d consider doing. But “discriminating”? This word gets tossed around so much it has lost meaning. There is actual discrimination in this world. Loads of it. Me choosing to have my blog with a dark background is about as far from being discriminatory as it could possibly be. For one, no one is forced to read my blog. If it hurts your eyes, sorry, use the RSS feed. I provide all of my blog posts in full for those who want them.

I think what set me off about Forking Mad’s post is simply that they took it too far. They have an opinion about dark themes (similar but opposite to mine on light themes), which they’re entitled to. But they then say basically anyone who disagrees with them is being discriminatory. I can’t disagree with this enough. Maybe I’m being elitist or whatever, but I made this blog for me. I’m grateful that people read it, but I’d still write here even if I were the only reader. I’m sorry if the theme I’ve chosen is hard to read. You can actually do what we dark theme enjoyers do: use Dark Reader. It can make dark sites use light themes. I’m not being discriminated against when I go to a site that only offers a light theme. I just work around it, like anyone who has to deal with choices made my others.

Anyway, rant done.

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This was day 3 of Blaugust 2025