[kup0]

This usually means your comments didn't do anything to contribute to the story or link. HN values comments that are substantive. This isn't Reddit.

Taking it personally doesn't help anything. If I get downvotes I usually just take that to mean that what I said wasn't helpful or was unnecessarily snarky or mean. I make those mistakes sometimes (especially originally being a Redditor, where that's the norm)

HN's karma system and general atmosphere has made me better at commenting in general, so I think I've gained something from it.

The HN atmosphere is markedly different from other similar sites. If it's not a fit for you, maybe something else out there will be. It's okay to quit HN.

In fact, I'm curious if I should delete this post even, because it seems like many of the other posts say nearly the exact same thing. I suppose I'll leave it and get the karma (positive or negative) I deserve for it :)