The reason it illustrated the hazards of a "wrong personality" not because it harmed Fred's particular brand, but because it was so startling that the reader can immediately see how having a "wrong personality" can have a lasting impact. This isn't a problem for Fred (except possibly for new readers), but could be for someone who is still trying to build his brand.
In other words, if this were the personality of the blog (or, say, if Zed Shaw's online personality were the personality of the blog), online readers would have a different impression of Fred Wilson the VC.
This one being so much more successful
Only if the sole purpose of the blog was to get attention and create discussion as to the writing style of the blog.
No. But I would venture that I wouldn't necessarily choose to measure the success of a blog by its upvotes on HN. Especially when, as it was when I first commented, that the majority of comments were about the writing style and were negative.
In other words, if this were the personality of the blog (or, say, if Zed Shaw's online personality were the personality of the blog), online readers would have a different impression of Fred Wilson the VC.
This one being so much more successful
Only if the sole purpose of the blog was to get attention and create discussion as to the writing style of the blog.