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Although what we're having now may not be considered a "real-world" conversation, we are not completely without social cues. You and I both know what's appropri
by kyro 14y ago
Although what we're having now may not be considered a "real-world" conversation, we are not completely without social cues. You and I both know what's appropriate and not to say to one another. People who are pedantic and insensitive willingly ignore the thousands of face-to-face conversations they've had throughout their lives. It may be a quick and emotional dismissal, but a dismissal nonetheless.
I've been guilty of it. It's that when the right submission is made here, I am always surprised at how indecent and plain weird people act. Remember the story of the Pakistani girl with the Microsoft certification? What would possess a mid-20s man to comment and belittle that achievement, however factually unimpressive it may be, is just way beyond me. And throw in the countless threads about YC startup fiascos.
I get it's easier to be an asshole online; I'm not oblivious to that. It's that hacker dickishness can be particularly sharp and cruel, probably because it's usually made under the guise of logic and reason.
- jt2190 14y ago> I get it's easier to be an asshole online Your point is well taken, and I think we agree. My point is simply that the mechanics of interaction on HN do little address the missing social cues that (my programmer brain theorizes) would help. The social evolution that HN is going through is nothing new[1]: It's been understood since newsgroups or before. For example, I have no idea if you're a native speaker/writer of English or not. (I might cut you more slack on your grammar.) I have no idea if you and I share the same culture. (I might cut you slack on certain culturally sensitive issues.) I don't know if you're new to computers or an expert. (I might respond to your comments differently.) The conversation presents itself as real-time and throw-away, yet since comments are stored indefinitely I must write as deliberately as if I'm writing a book. [1] Here's just one analysis: "A Group is its own worst enemy" by Clay Shirky: http://shirky.com/writings/group_enemy.html http://shirky.com/writings/group_enemy.html
- larrys 14y ago"I might cut you more slack" "I might cut you slack on certain" "I don't know if you're new" The dichotomy that I've notice is that when someone goes on HN with their belly exposed "I lost my job it's Christmas" or "I'm depressed and.." etc. they get treated with almost universal kindness by some of the same crowd (but not necessarily the same people) that will ravage someone who makes a stupid comment (and might be in line to jump off some bridge or abuse some drug to feel better).