Sometimes users (including myself) have no idea why we're being downvoted. A downvote signifies something is not welcome, but what is that something? A downvo

Sometimes users (including myself) have no idea why we're being downvoted. A downvote signifies something is not welcome, but what is that something? A downvote doesn't teach why. I have been using HN since 2012, and have over 4000 karma spread over three accounts, but sometimes downvotes still flummox me. I think as long as a user seems respectful, a little meta discussion is okay in order to learn how to be a better user going forward. Yes, some people are obnoxious and obviously toxic, and when they complain about being downvoted, they should definitely be downvoted more, but when a user seems genuinely curious, I think we should do our part to help make HN a better place by taking a moment to give a quick reason. I've politely asked in the past in order to not make the same mistake again. I think we should give users the benefit of doubt. > Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith. However > Please don't comment about the voting on comments. It never does any good, and it makes boring reading. I think that last guideline should be changed to "Please don't complain about the voting on comments."