Here's something to note: When we're reading a short written comment (or tweet or what have you), we are reading it in a certain tone in our heads. This tone i

Here's something to note: When we're reading a short written comment (or tweet or what have you), we are reading it in a certain tone in our heads. This tone is entirely made up by the reader and ascribed by the reader to the commenter. It is not necessarily representative of the actual tone it was said in. This tone is affected by our preconceptions of people, by those who conditioned us to feel that way. It may have little to do with reality. The highly editorialized short-form content that was the only thing possible with limited airtime and print space has been abused by the traditional media for their own benefits and benefits of those who have seeked to control them. Unedited long-form conversations are the future, the kind popularized by the podcasts... or long speeches... or even long articles... and online forums. It is possible to get a well-rounded view of people, even those you disagree with. HN seems to be a good way to engage with people of different views. It doesn't have to be "toxic" to disagree and argue.