I usually let negative comments slide off my back unless they point out an error, which I then correct. But some really get to me. When I wrote recently on the impending idiocy of starting a budget airline based in Charleston, W.Va., an idiot commented:
Also, the airlines will still be flying with oil at $100 a harrell (sic). The ones that survive however, will be the no frills airlines that have control over their controllable expenses. Perhaps you have heard of Ryan Air (sic).
When I responded with facts to the effect that he was clearly an idiot, he wrote back:
There have not been dozens and dozens of similar airlines that have failed. There are only two airlines like Skybus. First, there is Skybus and second there is Ryan Air and neither has failed. There are no others now or in the past like Ryan Air and Skybus. They are unique to the airline industry. Of course, Mr. Sparks has every right to state his opinion. That is the great thing about this country — we are free to say whatever we want. The trick is having some basic knowledge to form an educated opinion. The ball is in your court Mr. Sparks — name a single airline like Skybus or Ryan Air that failed. Before you answer, however, I suggest you obtain the full details of the Skybus and Ryan Air business models.
I’m happy to allow others to reply to my posts, but utter idiocy and insults don’t get to hang out here, which is why I deleted this one. That is, until I can point out with evidence how ignorant this commenter was. I’ll write soon on the policy repercussions of aviation’s hebdomas horribilis, but until then, forgive my gloating.
Evan Sparks's Aviation Policy Blog 
And that’s the fun of blogging. You just never know who will pop up with what kind of a comment when.
It might sound a bit sour now, but I don’t know anyone who was surprised that Skybus shut down. What I was most surprised about was that it took this long.
And that’s the fun of being an entrepreneur.
Sometimes you take a great gamble and win, like Southwest or JetBlue. And then sometimes you miss the handwriting on the wall and fall flat on your nose.
Someone else will take up the reigns where Skybus left off one of these days with better airplanes, or different market combinations in more lucrative economic times.
Some will say that’s why Southwest succeeded, because the economy was better.
And it was.
As you pointed out though Evan, there’s more to making a successful airline than simply a good idea.
Rob Mark