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I've found that when there are a decent number more comments than upvotes (say 1.25+ comment / upvote ratio) it is generally a controversial topic, probably wit

I've found that when there are a decent number more comments than upvotes (say 1.25+ comment / upvote ratio) it is generally a controversial topic, probably with a huge amount of subcomments under the top comment. If it is in my domain, I tend to ignore it, as I've often heard both sides many times before and its draining to see debates play out again. If it isn't in my domain and it is interesting, I'll check it out and often learn something. If its outside my domain and not a particularly interesting topic, if i'm bored i may check it out to entertain myself for a bit for Ask HN, the comment / upvote ratio seems like it indicates a topic that people are interested in and want to share their two cents (like this one), rather than a controversial one i also click on most links from wikipedia, as any wikipedia entry that gets to the front page seems like it must be very interesting / esoteric. however they turn out generally to be hit or miss

aldoushuxley001 8y ago
Why is it draining to see debates play out again? I know what you mean though, I feel same way, but just curious your take on it.
- aaavl2821 8y ago
  For me it's most draining when observing debates about the field I work in where the comments involved display a mixed level of knowledge of the subject. A lot of times the consensus opinion will in my eyes be under informed or missing some context, and actively harmful to a productive dialogue. So I feel a sense of frustration and helplessness. i work in biotech, and biopharma is an incredibly politically visible and controversial industry now, and I feel like a lot of the public discourse is driven by people who mean well but haven't taken the time to understand how the field works Of course, it is absolutely critical to have diverse perspectives, but I feel like everyone could row in the same direction if we were on the same page
  - walterbell 8y ago
    Applies to journalism, not only HN comments.

aldoushuxley001 8y ago

Why is it draining to see debates play out again? I know what you mean though, I feel same way, but just curious your take on it.

aaavl2821 8y ago
For me it's most draining when observing debates about the field I work in where the comments involved display a mixed level of knowledge of the subject. A lot of times the consensus opinion will in my eyes be under informed or missing some context, and actively harmful to a productive dialogue. So I feel a sense of frustration and helplessness. i work in biotech, and biopharma is an incredibly politically visible and controversial industry now, and I feel like a lot of the public discourse is driven by people who mean well but haven't taken the time to understand how the field works Of course, it is absolutely critical to have diverse perspectives, but I feel like everyone could row in the same direction if we were on the same page
- walterbell 8y ago
  Applies to journalism, not only HN comments.