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FWIW, if HN would offer a disagree and flag button as two options, we would have far better conversations here. Flag / downvote is essential, or we would just
by sam_goody 8y ago
FWIW, if HN would offer a disagree and flag button as two options, we would have far better conversations here.
Flag / downvote is essential, or we would just get spam or become Reddit. But currently there is no way to disagree without punishing.
As it is, many are afraid to post anything other than echo-chamber because they might get downvoted.
- tempestn 8y agoYeah, it's an idea. Either that or they could more enthusiastically push the idea that if you disagree you should explain why, rather than down voting.
- cptskippy 8y agoGenerally if someone makes a solid argument or valid points, regardless of whether or not I agree with them then I upvote them. If I disagree I try to reply and explain my perspective. I reserve downvotes for absurd or baseless remarks, attacks, and other noise. People like to downvote off topic or sarcastic remarks, I generally ignore them (neither upvote/downvote) because I think making light of topics isn't necessarily a bad thing and can engage people in a discussion. * I say generally because no one is perfect and I don't strictly adhere to the above.
- tempestn 8y agoThat's pretty much exactly how I operate as well. I think it would be a good thing if HN tried to encourage this behaviour, perhaps by reinforcing the initial guidelines on signup with things like reminders when down-voting controversial comments.