@dang, the "jerk" part was over the line and I was in the wrong. However, my problem is not with the rules or in the restriction but with the fact that your res

@dang, the "jerk" part was over the line and I was in the wrong. However, my problem is not with the rules or in the restriction but with the fact that your restrictions where not transparent (shadow moderation) and you didn't think simply asking me to refrain would not work. In the past for example, you asked me to avoid brigading and I have avoided it since. You used a humorous comment I made (like I've seen others do once in a while) as an example of low quality comment so I avoid any sort of humor on HN now. I will assume in cases such as what you quoted, you would treat the person I replied to with the same level of non-transparent hostility? If so I will avoid defending myself, else I will just avoid using "over the line" terms like "jerk" and use more tolerable terms like "unkind". > and if you build up a track record of using the site as intended for a while You tolerate political topics on HN. On such threads, it seems my problem is that I do not understand what you mean by that. My expectation is either you tell me or others flag my comment if it is inappropriate. I never attack someone's character and try to focus on technical analysis of things, what you quoted there was in response to someone attacking my character (will refrain). I will read your rules again. Perhaps I should avoid sensitive topics entirely on HN but truth be told, I make them in anticipation of a healthy discourse (which if you note on that comment thread was had). This is the only site I know of where that is actually possible these days. But I'd hate to think simply sharing my views is causing such a burden. > You're just as welcome on HN as anyone else is I don't think that is true. But no worries, I undersrand your perspective well enough. At least I now know that this isn't in my head, thanks for confirming. I sincerely hope you reconsider this approach and inform others (if they exist) of your disapproval or measures instead of shadow/secret approaches. You absolutley have the right to moderate content and tell people to stop any behavior, just like this. I'll seriously consider stopping active participation as a 2024 resolution. Happy new years!