4 ms·

This comment is specifically off-topic, per the rules. I don't, however, see jokes in comments mentioned. > Please don't post comments saying that HN is turnin

This comment is specifically off-topic, per the rules. I don't, however, see jokes in comments mentioned. > Please don't post comments saying that HN is turning into Reddit. It's a semi-noob illusion, as old as the hills. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

systemvoltage 6y ago
I challenge it respectfully. I think that guideline and the reasons for it "semi-noob" illusion is condescending IMO. Imagine a new user enters HN ecosystem. They write a complain about HN turning into Reddit - as they felt and observed. Then they go read the guideline that makes a fool out of them as "semi-noob". I don't think that kind of treatment belongs here.
- geoelectric 6y ago
  I fully agree the wording isn't in line with the discouragement of ad homs, comes off condescending to a new user, and should be changed. We shouldn't stigmatize being new, though I do think a list of "stuff so stale you can drive nails with it" is pretty appropriate. Please don't take my quote as my highlighting the noob bit, as it also made me cringe a little. It's an entirely reasonable opinion that you (and the person who vehemently took up your cause in the comment tree) want a more content-rich thread. But you have to understand posting that opinion is at least 1:1 comment volume with the thing being complained about--so best case, 100% bloat--and it tends to start a N:1 tree under it, so N-hundred% bloat. What was one content-light joke that would've had a few light replies is now a big discussion and now the thread is very, very content-lean for on-topic discussion. I think that's why that rule is there, not because your opinion is invalid. If it's really that much of a problem such that the downvotes won't do it, then we need to talk but most threads work fine. Further, complaining about the substance of a comment within the same thread is guaranteed to make the overall situation worse, no matter how valid the complaint, because of the above. I realize I'm contributing to the content-leanness at this point too, by that definition. However, you do deserve a respectful explanation as to why I felt it was appropriate to reply, and the apology for quoting the poorly-worded rule without trying to somehow acknowledge that. I should have, and I am sorry about that.
  - systemvoltage 6y ago
    I realize that and regret posting it now with all these replies that have nothing to do with BD robots. :-( Thanks for the explanation and I can see why this whole complaining bit gets old and chewed upon over years. I've personally not stumbled upon anyone that complains about HN turning into Reddit. Also, I feel out of place because I don't own this forum, don't have a stake in HN moderation and its workings. I don't think I have the right to complain in the first place. Just felt like saying at the time and it felt right. Appreciate your thoughts and clarification.

systemvoltage 6y ago

I challenge it respectfully. I think that guideline and the reasons for it "semi-noob" illusion is condescending IMO. Imagine a new user enters HN ecosystem. They write a complain about HN turning into Reddit - as they felt and observed. Then they go read the guideline that makes a fool out of them as "semi-noob". I don't think that kind of treatment belongs here.

geoelectric 6y ago
I fully agree the wording isn't in line with the discouragement of ad homs, comes off condescending to a new user, and should be changed. We shouldn't stigmatize being new, though I do think a list of "stuff so stale you can drive nails with it" is pretty appropriate. Please don't take my quote as my highlighting the noob bit, as it also made me cringe a little. It's an entirely reasonable opinion that you (and the person who vehemently took up your cause in the comment tree) want a more content-rich thread. But you have to understand posting that opinion is at least 1:1 comment volume with the thing being complained about--so best case, 100% bloat--and it tends to start a N:1 tree under it, so N-hundred% bloat. What was one content-light joke that would've had a few light replies is now a big discussion and now the thread is very, very content-lean for on-topic discussion. I think that's why that rule is there, not because your opinion is invalid. If it's really that much of a problem such that the downvotes won't do it, then we need to talk but most threads work fine. Further, complaining about the substance of a comment within the same thread is guaranteed to make the overall situation worse, no matter how valid the complaint, because of the above. I realize I'm contributing to the content-leanness at this point too, by that definition. However, you do deserve a respectful explanation as to why I felt it was appropriate to reply, and the apology for quoting the poorly-worded rule without trying to somehow acknowledge that. I should have, and I am sorry about that.
- systemvoltage 6y ago
  I realize that and regret posting it now with all these replies that have nothing to do with BD robots. :-( Thanks for the explanation and I can see why this whole complaining bit gets old and chewed upon over years. I've personally not stumbled upon anyone that complains about HN turning into Reddit. Also, I feel out of place because I don't own this forum, don't have a stake in HN moderation and its workings. I don't think I have the right to complain in the first place. Just felt like saying at the time and it felt right. Appreciate your thoughts and clarification.