Exactly. The problem is that "smart$$ comments" are easier to write than a thoughtful reply. So pretty soon everyone gets into a game of one upmanship and every

Exactly. The problem is that "smart$$ comments" are easier to write than a thoughtful reply. So pretty soon everyone gets into a game of one upmanship and every thread will have 80% "smart$$ comments". This why I no longer read reddit comments. On slashdot I browse at +5 keeping out much of the noise. Thankfully in HN, I was relieved to know that such comments are not tolerated by majority. I have downvoted quite a lot of "smart$$" comments but never something that added original thought. I come to HN for comments that educate, inform and make me think. If i wanted a good laugh I would go to bash.org