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A related issue is people downvoting comments that they haven't properly comprehended. Instead of asking "why do you think x" or "do you mean x" they just downv

A related issue is people downvoting comments that they haven't properly comprehended. Instead of asking "why do you think x" or "do you mean x" they just downvote the comment. Sometimes it happens with controversial comments, even when the controversial comment is based on facts. Sometimes going against HN groupthink (e.g. saying something bad about libertarianism) results in downvotes. EDIT: I'm surprised that I got a downvote on this comment. I think that illustrates the problem.

dragonwriter 12y ago
> EDIT: I'm surprised that I got a downvote on this comment. I think that illustrates the problem. I think it illustrates the problem with "sometimes UI elements get clicked without intent" and "HN has no way to undo up/downvotes". In fact, I can say that with authority, since I was the one who made the accidental click.
- reitanqild 12y ago
  This seems not to be the only reason: There seems to be a consistent tendency that some people downvote comments not because the comments are wrong but because accepting the comment would undermine their position/opinion. See anything that touches into google/apple/feminism
deleted 12y ago
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acheron 12y ago
Off topic, but the idea that the HN "groupthink" is libertarian seems ridiculous to me... Other than the NSA stuff which is superficially libertarian, I don't see it at all. The prevailing attitude here is sort of vague lefty-"liberal", basically what you'd expect from, well, a bunch of college students and recent graduates who don't take politics too seriously and live in places like SF and NYC.
- cpncrunch 12y ago
  I'm talking about things like not wanting to be searched at the airport, not wanting any NSA surveillance or spying, not wanting copyright theft to be illegal, etc. Libertarian seems a more correct word to describe these positions than liberal, as the common theme is distrust of authority. I find it a little ironic that your comment was downvoted, even though your comment was a very reasonably presented and valid opinion. I just upvoted you. Another example of the problem with the downvote button. IMO there is no need at all for a downvote button -- it just causes more problems than it ever solves. Much better to just have a 'flag' button for abusive/inappropriate comments, and an upvote button.
jessaustin 12y ago
I'm surprised that I got a downvote on this comment. I think that illustrates the problem. Sometimes when I've said something perfectly reasonable and then gotten downvoted, I've realized that in fact my statement was unclear and liable to be misunderstood. The downvotes have helped me to write more clearly, and they're more charitable than rude rejoinders. [I didn't downvote you. Your statements were perfectly reasonable to me.]

dragonwriter 12y ago

> EDIT: I'm surprised that I got a downvote on this comment. I think that illustrates the problem. I think it illustrates the problem with "sometimes UI elements get clicked without intent" and "HN has no way to undo up/downvotes". In fact, I can say that with authority, since I was the one who made the accidental click.

reitanqild 12y ago
This seems not to be the only reason: There seems to be a consistent tendency that some people downvote comments not because the comments are wrong but because accepting the comment would undermine their position/opinion. See anything that touches into google/apple/feminism

deleted 12y ago

[deleted]

acheron 12y ago

Off topic, but the idea that the HN "groupthink" is libertarian seems ridiculous to me... Other than the NSA stuff which is superficially libertarian, I don't see it at all. The prevailing attitude here is sort of vague lefty-"liberal", basically what you'd expect from, well, a bunch of college students and recent graduates who don't take politics too seriously and live in places like SF and NYC.

cpncrunch 12y ago
I'm talking about things like not wanting to be searched at the airport, not wanting any NSA surveillance or spying, not wanting copyright theft to be illegal, etc. Libertarian seems a more correct word to describe these positions than liberal, as the common theme is distrust of authority. I find it a little ironic that your comment was downvoted, even though your comment was a very reasonably presented and valid opinion. I just upvoted you. Another example of the problem with the downvote button. IMO there is no need at all for a downvote button -- it just causes more problems than it ever solves. Much better to just have a 'flag' button for abusive/inappropriate comments, and an upvote button.

jessaustin 12y ago

I'm surprised that I got a downvote on this comment. I think that illustrates the problem. Sometimes when I've said something perfectly reasonable and then gotten downvoted, I've realized that in fact my statement was unclear and liable to be misunderstood. The downvotes have helped me to write more clearly, and they're more charitable than rude rejoinders. [I didn't downvote you. Your statements were perfectly reasonable to me.]