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Using the term "lynch mob" metaphorically is a long established usage. But in case you weren't just pretending to misunderstand me, I didn't mean that HN users
by pg 13y ago
Using the term "lynch mob" metaphorically is a long established usage. But in case you weren't just pretending to misunderstand me, I didn't mean that HN users are literally planning to kill Tim Armstrong. I meant the forces that drive lynch mobs are driving people here.
- dylandrop 13y agoOh don't get me wrong, I'm well aware you weren't claiming that people are planning to kill Armstrong. I'm just saying you're making ridiculous claims over a fairly tame paraphrase. Even from the well established metaphorical usage standpoint, this is nothing like a lynch mob. It's one guy expressing his frustrations. And he should be able to do that without you saying that the people supporting/upvoting him are like a lynch mob. Why do you think that everyone else responding to your post drawing those comparisons also thought the use of the term "lynch mob" was out of place?
- zohebv 13y agoIt should be fairly clear from the responses to your post that the characterization of this reaction as a "lynch mob" does not meet the established standard of usage of this term. Getting universally criticized for a statement is not a qualification for assuming "lynch mob" victim status. > I meant the forces that drive lynch mobs are driving people here. This particular statement can be interpreted in so many different ways that it remains meaningless as it stands. > Did he say that? Did anyone lynch him?