"The people who don't like it tend to dislike it intensely. That's unfortunate, but not surprising when one deliberately goes against audience expectations"

This quote by John M. Ford addresses the unpredictable nature of audience reception when developers or artists challenge standard expectations. When Ford states, "The individuals who do not like it tend to dislike it intensely", he indicates that breaking from tradition or standard often results in polarizing opinions. There is a natural human propensity to gravitate towards the familiar, as it supplies convenience and predictability. Therefore, when confronted with something non-traditional or unexpected, individuals may respond strongly versus it. This intense dislike is not just a matter of individual taste; it is a visceral response to having one's expectations subverted.

Ford's observation, "That's regrettable, however not unexpected" acknowledges the inevitability of such polarized reactions. It shows an understanding that innovation and artistic expression often feature the threat of pushing away some segments of the audience. This concept is enhanced by his use of the word "unfortunate", recommending that it is regrettable when unique or bold creative works are consulted with intense dislike regardless of their potential worth or ingenuity.

The expression "when one intentionally breaks audience expectations" highlights the conscious option made by the creator to defy the norm. This purposeful decision to challenge or interrupt familiar paradigms demonstrates artistic nerve and ambition. Ford appears to be acknowledging the intrinsic conflict in between creativity and acceptance, emphasizing that meaningful development seldom aligns with mainstream desires.

In a more comprehensive sense, Ford's quote speaks with the dynamics of imagination, criticism, and audience engagement. It recommends that while unfavorable reception is a prospective effect of innovative undertakings, it is a foreseeable part of the innovative process. Artists and creators need to be prepared for such responses as part of their journey, advancing regardless of the danger of extreme criticism in pursuit of genuine and innovative work.