Earlier quoted context omitted.
'If downvoting meant "you are wrong", then it would be kinda like a black-hole if it weren't accompained by a reply, because the obvious follow-up question "why is that wrong?" would go un-answered, and thus nobody learns.' On Reddit, since they added in the "suppress entire thread once the parent goes below -4", yes. On HN, which never suppresses the thread, no. I for one occasionally check even the -8 posts, though…
On reddit when things go to -8 it's for one reason only: They are pro religion, or pro israel, or conservative. (OK, that's 3, but it's basically the same thing.) On reddit stupid stuff usually gets a plus vote, and people express agree/disagree via votes. This is NOT the way HN is run, and people coming here from reddit have a hard time adjusting. So we need threads like this approximately monthly. Maybe PG can requ…
I’d guess that by the time the downvote button shows up, most people should have had time to realize HN generally offers more interesting discussion because it works the way Reddiquette FAQ says Reddit should work: do not downvote points of view.
// Now I’ll go back to lurking.