If you've played minesweeper you'll understand what I'm about to say. There are sacred cows in these fields, and land-mines buried beneath the cow pats. Even c

If you've played minesweeper you'll understand what I'm about to say. There are sacred cows in these fields, and land-mines buried beneath the cow pats. Even casual, humorous criticism of them will lead to swift rebuke by "defenders" (no doubt a tiny minority) who police the pastures. After some months with HN I now see; - It's probably normal and no worse than any online community. - Very little use comes of pointing it out. We all experience it. - Not much to be gained by fighting it. - Making a meal of it goes against the spirit Dang is obviously working hard to cultivate here of avoiding petty confrontation. - It's actually really useful, from a research perspective. It's the last of these points that relates to minesweeper. A lot can be learned from those who reveal themselves and their fealty as they act to suppress. It's great for putting out 'feelers' for those land-mines whose positions reveal a useful map. I'm even starting to sense how negative information is more valuable than affirmative. Keep the down-votes coming :)