No, but over time if the person keeps doing it they do gain a reputation which is what is happening here. No one at HN shunned this individual or even told him

No, but over time if the person keeps doing it they do gain a reputation which is what is happening here. No one at HN shunned this individual or even told him to leave, but until he learns the deal. I actually had negative 20-30 karma when I first came for doing the same, I took it as a challenge :)