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I was thinking that the only possible effect that this policy could have is the complete removal of outsiders (I consider myself one, rarely chiming in on HN),
by daliwali 12y ago
I was thinking that the only possible effect that this policy could have is the complete removal of outsiders (I consider myself one, rarely chiming in on HN), and eventually even insiders will simply migrate elsewhere for meaningful discussion that is not happening on this website.
- dang 12y agoWhy would you think that? We're very concerned with not excluding outsiders. One of the great strengths of the internet is the potential for anyone to make a substantive contribution. Indeed, making substantive contributions should be the way to become an insider (or the healthy equivalent of that concept) on Hacker News. There are some fair criticisms to be made of HN being a little insular and exclusive. (The leader board, for example—not that we emphasize it or even like it—moves in geological time.) We plan eventually to work on that to encourage more up-and-comers. But how a guideline against gratuitous negativity could discourage any outsiders except trolls is beyond me. It's dismaying that anyone would think so, so please let us know your concerns.