The layers of irony in this discussion are quite astonishing. The reason, I take it, that some are concerned that a comment about masturbation appeared on HN i

The layers of irony in this discussion are quite astonishing. The reason, I take it, that some are concerned that a comment about masturbation appeared on HN is that it is a signal that the quality of discussion on HN is in decline and that it's audience is gradually shifting over to the mindless hordes of Reddit and Digg. Now presumably,by quality, we mean things like ability to propose a well thought out point of view and defend such a view with rational argument and sourced evidence. But notice - what they are focusing on is a signal that quality is declining. And treating the comment as a signal is as far as they seem to take it. There doesn't seem to be much effort taken to get to know the person who made the comment, to investigate the degree of contribution made before. Hence the irony. There is sophisticated discourse, and there are "signals" of sophisticated discourse. At some point, if you really want to participate in an extended sophisticated discourse, one that is really capable of going beyond group think and shallow mindedness, your first impressions and understanding of what the surface implies about what lies below need to be bracketed and put out of play. (After all, superficiality knows only how to reflect itself when it stares into deep waters). The irony goes both ways however. In a group of highly sophisticated thinkers, and I've been around a few - I'm particularly attracted to the ones mouthing off all sorts of low brow and inappropriate things. For these are the ones I tend to think have a greater propensity for independent thinking. Quite often the signals are right - but eventually, if you want to get to know them, you have to put them out of play. Having said all this - the hordes of Reddit and the rest will likely respond to the low brow signals as most people do - and will be attracted to them because of it. If you don't want them here - don't signal to them that they will likely fit in.