Yes, some individuals out of the dozens who have read your comment chose to downvote. Just as other chose not to vote at all. Some may have even upvoted. Doesn’t that kind of prove HN is not a cult? The group is comprised of individual members all acting independently.

Most people don't vote. But I agree that downvoting can be an emotionally charged action - completely devoid of reason.

I tend enjoy downvotes that have no reason because they validate a touched nerve, but some will give a reason as to why they downvoted and open a dialogue. Thats a gold feature of HN I think.