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I think within the context of civilized discussion your style borders on abuse. Do you really expect people to engage with you after comments like this or are y

by Udo 12y ago

I think within the context of civilized discussion your style borders on abuse. Do you really expect people to engage with you after comments like this or are you just letting off steam? Clearly you have supporters, otherwise you wouldn't be doing it. However, are karma points enough for you? If not, you should tone down your insults somewhat.

mpyne 12y ago
> I think within the context of civilized discussion your style borders on abuse. I don't have a dog in this fight, but you're replying to this comment in a thread that contains a literal unsourced accusation that Taleb was a "hack". In fact, you replied to that comment. Where was your sense of propriety about the level of discourse expected on HN at that time? On that note, is "out-Gladwelling" someone intended to be civilized or insulting to Gladwell? eruditely's comment was certainly abrasive, but I don't see how it was substantially different from other such "unparliamentary" language on this thread.
- coldtea 12y ago
  Well, the thing is Gladwell and Taleb are neither on HN, nor on this discussion. So one can be a little tactless against them. Not that describing a writer as a "hack" or his book as "out-Gladwelling" was intended as an actual insult anyway. It's just a blantky put negative accessment of the nature/quality of their work.