> alternately, I just don't care what symbol is used since it's not connected to any actual function. Put it like this: it is connected to an actual function,

> alternately, I just don't care what symbol is used since it's not connected to any actual function. Put it like this: it is connected to an actual function, it's just that that function is in people's minds. As for people getting offended, I think you might be projecting. Let's look at how part of this conversation might have played out in an alternate universe: > I think it's actually a carry over from reddit, where it activates the quote, while here on hacker news it does nothing. It's just a symbol. > > It’s a carryover from long established internet (plaintext email, Usenet, etc.) convention, which is where reddit (and lots of other forums) got it, too. > > > Oh wow, I didn't know that! It's always cool to learn about the history of where things we take for granted come from. The point is, there's no need to take offense at a minor educational correction.