Torvalds never really followed up, with just one paragraph a lot later in the thread: http://lkml.indiana.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/0008.2/0241.h...
"On the whole, people tend to _want_ to share, because it ends up being the easier "quick hack" in many cases. So I'm not worried about that part overmuch. I'm worried about people who share even when it doesn't make sense. And I'm worried about people having bad interfaces, which makes even sensible sharing end up as a experiment in horror.
That's why I'm so un-interested in the "let's share" argument. I don't think that is where the problems are. "
The more interesting "follow-up" is historical, when kernel development started using BitKeeper and then git, instead of Linus' email inbox.
But that reply actually doesn't sound at all like someone blinded by their own ability but rather someone thinking very keenly about where the problems are likely to be.
Linus can come off as smart but an asshole in person. But despite this, it seems like his smart extends somewhat into smart insights about human nature.
The more interesting "follow-up" is historical, when kernel development started using BitKeeper and then git, instead of Linus' email inbox.