3 ms·
Usenet's classic problem was that it amplified the most extreme voices in any conversation. Extreme voices and unpopular opinions are different things. You can
by greglindahl 8y ago
Usenet's classic problem was that it amplified the most extreme voices in any conversation. Extreme voices and unpopular opinions are different things. You can be extremely polite in expressing an unpopular opinion, and get upvoted on HN.
- johnminter 8y agoAs I recall, Usenet took freedom of expression to the extreme and a few trolls ruined it. I remember one who referred to himself as Archimedes Plutonium and would spam the discussion of specific science and programming topics with wild discourses claiming the Plutonium atom was god. The turned whole newsfeeds into spam. I believe this is where the comment "Don't feed the trolls" came from. I am all for civil, productive discussion where ideas are refined. There is a time and a place to say, "This is off topic and not producing a productive dialog, so take it elsewhere."