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I just wanted to point out the downvote button isn't a "disagree" button. One can make the case that arguing over climate science is flamebait, so if you want t
by soVeryTired 10y ago
I just wanted to point out the downvote button isn't a "disagree" button. One can make the case that arguing over climate science is flamebait, so if you want to downvote on those grounds then go ahead. But people shouldn't be punished for making specious arguments.
Unless someone is deliberately trolling, it's better to engage with them than to negate them by downvoting. Such engagement is what makes hackernews more highbrow and interesting than, say, reddit.
- adevine 10y agoHuh? IMO, the parent's comment is a perfect example of something deserving of downvotes: "Why are you arguing something that has absolutely nothing to do with the article, or really even global warming in general, and displays a complete lack of understanding about what the discussion is even about." In other words, I can't imagine that engaging with someone whose argument is basically "CO2 isn't a problem because plants love CO2" is going to lead to any sort of insightful discussion.
- soVeryTired 10y agoI don't think it will lead to particularly insightful discussion either. But my point is that on the assumption the OP is acting in good faith, it's better to try to persuade them than to silence them. You don't convert people by taking away their voice.