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Likewise, one reason that there are so many negative comments on (for example) HN is that the article probably already said most of the positive things. There'

by amalcon 12y ago

Likewise, one reason that there are so many negative comments on (for example) HN is that the article probably already said most of the positive things. There's no need to simply repeat what the article already says, unless it's to explain things that might be unclear. Again, this isn't an endorsement for pointless or mean-spirited criticism.

sanderjd 12y ago
Yeah, if you agree entirely with someone's point, then a comment saying so is not typically very worthwhile. That's what the upvote is for! (And yes, I'm aware of the irony in making a comment agreeing with someone that just agreeing with someone is typically not worth a comment.)
- kazagistar 12y ago
  You are using the valid use of a positive comment: Not just agreeing, but also expanding on the idea.
  - noobermin 12y ago
    Interesting, so could one say being negative is easier, but expanding/adding to an idea is harder? I personally find that somewhat true. The issue is people look at upvotes but read comments. An upvote doesn't say as much as a comment does (quite literally).
    - jimkri 12y ago
      I agree that adding to an idea or expanding on one is harder. The first thing I think of is a college class, when none of the students will explain an answer or add to discussion.
  - sanderjd 12y ago
    Sure, and negative comments that also expand on the original idea are just as good (or perhaps even better). That is, "I disagree, and here is more information necessary to inform that disagreement". I personally think you see a lot of those on this site, and that they shouldn't be lumped in with the general disdain people have for negativity.
andyidsinga 12y ago
hmm good point. its always seemed to me that there needs to be more dialog and questioning vs "hers's by the op was wrong". hacker news also needs more humor. maybe the best argument I've heard is that there are other places to get humor on the net and people come to HN to get the non-humor part. For me though ... I like joking with like minded folks ..and I don't often find them on the funny sites.

by amalcon 12y ago

sanderjd 12y ago

Yeah, if you agree entirely with someone's point, then a comment saying so is not typically very worthwhile. That's what the upvote is for! (And yes, I'm aware of the irony in making a comment agreeing with someone that just agreeing with someone is typically not worth a comment.)

kazagistar 12y ago
You are using the valid use of a positive comment: Not just agreeing, but also expanding on the idea.
- noobermin 12y ago
  Interesting, so could one say being negative is easier, but expanding/adding to an idea is harder? I personally find that somewhat true. The issue is people look at upvotes but read comments. An upvote doesn't say as much as a comment does (quite literally).
  - jimkri 12y ago
    I agree that adding to an idea or expanding on one is harder. The first thing I think of is a college class, when none of the students will explain an answer or add to discussion.
- sanderjd 12y ago
  Sure, and negative comments that also expand on the original idea are just as good (or perhaps even better). That is, "I disagree, and here is more information necessary to inform that disagreement". I personally think you see a lot of those on this site, and that they shouldn't be lumped in with the general disdain people have for negativity.

andyidsinga 12y ago

hmm good point. its always seemed to me that there needs to be more dialog and questioning vs "hers's by the op was wrong". hacker news also needs more humor. maybe the best argument I've heard is that there are other places to get humor on the net and people come to HN to get the non-humor part. For me though ... I like joking with like minded folks ..and I don't often find them on the funny sites.