I didnt realize it until 10 days ago (though I meant to ask long ago how points were awarded). It skirted my consciousness and I think I saw it as in the IE newsreader and in XML and Swing trees, a way to collapse and expand the conversation tree.

If YC had picked the "standard" icon - thumbs up/down, they would have had to compromise their minimalist Gmail look. But would this have made for a better UI?

(I wonder if there is an "Aha" lesson trying to get out...)

I realized it immediately because I came from Reddit...

I didn't look, I didn't notice, and frankly, I didn't care. If I had ever wanted to upvote a comment, I'm sure I would have found quickly.

I overheard STEW allowed users to vote others down before I ever registered for this site. :)

(STEW = YCombinator startup news.)

I see what you did there :)

What down arrow? (came from reddit)

Comments have down arrows. They're only visible if you're logged in.

Perhaps you also need a certain amount of karma. I'm logged in (with 2 karma) and don't see any down arrows.

Honestly, I knew right away. I'm not sure why, because I've never used Reddit or Digg.

Just now...

that's one point for you, for your honesty :)

Down is new