Re:Ask HN: why so critical?
by brudgers on Saturday July 23, 2011 @11:12PM
(#2798522)
There are a couple of things at play.
First, as others have pointed out, criticism is generally more interesting than praise and often a more productive way to extend the content or foster further conversation. Even well researched articles will stake out a position on an open issue and thereby spark debate.
Second, the writing in the the techpress often lacks any depth of analysis (something which often could be said of journalism in general) and is often based on an original communication which was intended to produce buzz or create spin - e.g. press releases, product announcements, etc.
In addition [ok it is more than a couple of things], often the criticism will be of an apparent bias or questionable level of objectivity on the part of the author.
First, as others have pointed out, criticism is generally more interesting than praise and often a more productive way to extend the content or foster further conversation. Even well researched articles will stake out a position on an open issue and thereby spark debate.
Second, the writing in the the techpress often lacks any depth of analysis (something which often could be said of journalism in general) and is often based on an original communication which was intended to produce buzz or create spin - e.g. press releases, product announcements, etc.
In addition [ok it is more than a couple of things], often the criticism will be of an apparent bias or questionable level of objectivity on the part of the author.