“a dribbling selfish jerk” – an analysis of getting on the front page of HN

Re:“a dribbling selfish jerk” – an analysis of getting on th... by jt2190 on Monday December 24, 2012 @10:28AM (#4963054)

  > I get it's easier to be an asshole online

Your point is well taken, and I think we agree.

My point is simply that the mechanics of interaction on HN do little address the missing social cues that (my programmer brain theorizes) would help. The social evolution that HN is going through is nothing new[1]: It's been understood since newsgroups or before.

For example, I have no idea if you're a native speaker/writer of English or not. (I might cut you more slack on your grammar.) I have no idea if you and I share the same culture. (I might cut you slack on certain culturally sensitive issues.) I don't know if you're new to computers or an expert. (I might respond to your comments differently.) The conversation presents itself as real-time and throw-away, yet since comments are stored indefinitely I must write as deliberately as if I'm writing a book.

[1] Here's just one analysis: "A Group is its own worst enemy" by Clay Shirky: http://shirky.com/writings/group_enemy.html

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“a dribbling selfish jerk” – an analysis of getting on th... by larrys on Monday December 24, 2012 @11:29AM (#4963272)

"I might cut you more slack"

"I might cut you slack on certain"

"I don't know if you're new"

The dichotomy that I've notice is that when someone goes on HN with their belly exposed "I lost my job it's Christmas" or "I'm depressed and.." etc. they get treated with almost universal kindness by some of the same crowd (but not necessarily the same people) that will ravage someone who makes a stupid comment (and might be in line to jump off some bridge or abuse some drug to feel better).

[ Parent | on HN ]