I think it is sad that downvoting is used to stifle non-popular opinions. It makes people with potentially interesting (or at least non-mainstream) views less l

I think it is sad that downvoting is used to stifle non-popular opinions. It makes people with potentially interesting (or at least non-mainstream) views less likely to participate. I do not mind people disagreeing, but the downvote is used to "bury" comments, and as a result some people will never see them. Think about it: if you downvote anything you disagree with, eventually all you will see is opinions that you agree with. I don't know about you, but that is not what I expect from HN.