So I went back and read the entire article and I think I agree with what you're saying (after initially disagreeing). His comment did not extend the natural dis

So I went back and read the entire article and I think I agree with what you're saying (after initially disagreeing). His comment did not extend the natural discussion that would follow from reading the article and did play into the common narratives that are too often unproductively rehashed. I still believe that silent down votes do not contribute to intelligent discussions either. If someone can take a minute to read an article, its comments, and down vote, they should also be able to politely explain to the commenter in question how and why that comment may be detracting from the discussion. That way the commenter may defend his position or adapt his behavior to better contribute within the community.