In the context of user points, #1 has to be the biggest issue, which highlights a big problem with voting in the HN community. Downvoting is a feature given to

In the context of user points, #1 has to be the biggest issue, which highlights a big problem with voting in the HN community. Downvoting is a feature given to people with favorable stances in the community, thus shunning others with alternative views. While some say downvotes should be used to deter comments that do not add to the discussion, this isn't realistic. Interestingly, this places those who hold popular opinion in control of the discussion, effectively keeping others' opinions less visible, and status quo strong until tipping points occur in positions where a majority of the community conversely agrees.