I agree with you completely. I always strive (doesn't mean I never slip up), to only downvote someone if they are not contributing to a discussion. One thing that irks me bad though is when people make emotional claims about complex topics without any references or even logical arguments to back up what they're saying. I really like hearing new opinions, but you cant have a real conversation when the other person is convinced they shouldnt have to convince you.
The most recent thing I changed my opinion on thanks to HN though was smoking - a guy came with studies in his comments, and convinced me there is actually a net monetary benefit govt healthcare systems have from smokers i.e. smokers die younger and the treatment method is shorter than other diseases. Those are the good moments on HN :)
Re:Ask HN: Do you feel welcome on HN?
by mattbgates on Wednesday July 26, 2017 @03:39PM
(#14859476)
I've definitely learned my lesson: Never respond with a political comment (unless of course it pertains to the thread.. though even that can get downvotes).
So politics and religion are two things I definitely stay away from on HN.
Someone can tell me if this is rose colored glasses or not, but I do feel that "Old HN' downvotes correlated far more directly with "does not contribute to discussion" whereas now it feels a lot more like a reddit style "support/oppose" voting contest.
What bothers me more, and has gotten me "in trouble" on a few occasions for speaking up in defense of hearing out, is that posters more fringe than myself, but who are still making a solid post and useful contribution, are often silenced/flagged into oblivion. It's not even a matter of feeling welcome or not, most people I find who post here regularly are _very_ polite/welcoming, but to watch silent attempts at forming an echo chamber gives me pause.