3 ms·

Damn! (Just when I thought I was out….) Honest question deserves an honest answer. Very similar motivation. I'm very interested in figuring out how to promote p

by grzm 9y ago

Damn! (Just when I thought I was out….) Honest question deserves an honest answer. Very similar motivation. I'm very interested in figuring out how to promote productive, constructive discussions in general and online in particular. The deep polarization that seems to have increased and been exacerbated by the internet is an issue that I think desperately needs to be solved. HN is a community that values constructive conversation and at the same time struggles with it. If I can help make that better, I want to do so. I think a lot of people actually share that same goal, at least implicitly, and aren't always aware of the dynamics of online forums in general or on HN in particular.

QAPereo 9y ago
I have to agree with that, although I'm not so aware of the polarization or other dynamics here yet, I can certainly admire your aims and methods. Good luck spreading civility and discourse, although I'd encourage you to assume the best intentions in others as you go.
- grzm 9y ago
  Thanks. I appreciate it. The polarization I refer to is more apparent in political threads here and in US society at large, not specific to HN. To be clear, my assumption at the start was as I described in my second comment: I did assume that you were sincerely trying to help. Your response was what made me question that that was the case, but I suspect your response was colored by the snark that I allowed to slip into my initial comment. I generally strive to keep that at bay because it's so rarely helpful in conversation, and it was a lack of discipline on my part that I didn't keep in in check here as well. Would you mind sharing with me how you would have written my initial comment, (given what you know of my intention) that would have had the most positive effect on you? I'll take my answer off the air. Thanks again for your time and attention here. It's a rare opportunity and I do appreciate it.

by grzm 9y ago

QAPereo 9y ago

I have to agree with that, although I'm not so aware of the polarization or other dynamics here yet, I can certainly admire your aims and methods. Good luck spreading civility and discourse, although I'd encourage you to assume the best intentions in others as you go.

grzm 9y ago
Thanks. I appreciate it. The polarization I refer to is more apparent in political threads here and in US society at large, not specific to HN. To be clear, my assumption at the start was as I described in my second comment: I did assume that you were sincerely trying to help. Your response was what made me question that that was the case, but I suspect your response was colored by the snark that I allowed to slip into my initial comment. I generally strive to keep that at bay because it's so rarely helpful in conversation, and it was a lack of discipline on my part that I didn't keep in in check here as well. Would you mind sharing with me how you would have written my initial comment, (given what you know of my intention) that would have had the most positive effect on you? I'll take my answer off the air. Thanks again for your time and attention here. It's a rare opportunity and I do appreciate it.