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My policy is to down vote or comment, but not both. If it's worth a reply, why would I down vote it? If it doesn't contribute to the discussion, why would I rep
by raganwald 16y ago
My policy is to down vote or comment, but not both. If it's worth a reply, why would I down vote it? If it doesn't contribute to the discussion, why would I reply?
- Travis 16y agoBecause by replying, you can point out flaws or disagreements in the parent post. That helps the person who wrote it get a little better. Additionally, downvoting w/o a comment feel punitive, as opposed to corrective. It also seems a little lazy -- "I'll click the downvote arrow, but won't take any time to help them improve."
- raganwald 16y agoIf I believe there's a good reason to help them improve, then I can do so and there's no need to also down vote, as my feelings will be on display for everyone to read. Also, most posts with flaws do contribute to the discussion, I just disagree with the reasoning. That's not the right place for a down vote. IMO. A down vote might be used for a situation where someone else has already explained why the comment is not helpful, or perhaps something beyond redemption like "Pwned, LOL" :-)
- JonnieCache 16y ago>If it's worth a reply, why would I down vote it? If it doesn't contribute to the discussion, why would I reply? This is very insightful, and I will be keeping this notion at the front of my mind when posting. Although I think this mirrors my natural behaviour to an extent anyway. Thinking about it, this is probably part of the HN karma/ranking "secret sauce" anyway. If not, it should be.