Why are some people in the Japanese self learning community so down on Heisig?

I read that too actually. I stopped myself from commenting. I think Ken already knows what I would say. I'm an anti class, pro anki person too. And he is the opposite. Core ajatt tenements all the way. But I suspect sometimes Ken is too, more than he admits maybe, and argues the opposite to spite himself or to challenge this new online orthodoxy that has sprung up in recent years. Which is probably a good thing.

Anyway, I think it's a great system. Although I was already too far along in my study when I tried it I think the principles are sound and it seems to work for a lot of people. Most attavks I read against it seem to miss the point. And if you don't like the keywords or stories? Make your own. Or try somebody else's, like at Kanji Damage.

But then I also think Ken is a bit right about Heisig in other respects. Funny story. My research these days on an academic topic is "here's why Heisig is wrong." Only not related to Kanji but philosophy. So at least when it comes to disagreeing with Heisig we have something in common. Even if it's about different things. :-)