[olympusmons]

The first line of your response very concisely illustrates my growing unease with discussions related to privacy on hacker news.

The fact that you're having to "hold back" is sadly indicative of why debates on sensitive topics like this are turning into echo chambers. I suspect that many who hold the minority view keep quiet to avoid being yelled at.

I don't intend to take sides here. I've only ever come here to read and understand other's opinions on topics that seem too complex to tackle on my own. I have a lot of respect for this community, but sadly its becoming harder and harder to keep reading.

For example, you make some good points here but it takes tremendous effort to consider them on merit because the language in which they're expressed sounds condescending and attacking (even though you say you're holding back).

I do hope that you, and anyone else reading this, will not take this personally and instead reflect upon the virtues of more open and tolerant dialogue. And very sorry for singling you out; it's not just you.

[jknoepfler]

Reasonable argumentation is a precious social resource that we should cultivate, promote, and protect. I think you express a view common to many here, and I hope this forum is able to continue fostering a culture of reasonable disagreement over combative, substanceless posturing. I happen to agree with the commenter you responded to on many points, but also found the presentation combative rather than constructive. I second your appeal to use more precise language, although I sympathize with the anger implicit in the poster's comment.

[Blahah]

Some excellent points, and I'm happy to be challenged on my behaviour.

I didn't mean I was holding back from something sinister, but from making detailed and thorough arguments. Because I was only highlighting some issues with the Devil's advocate position, I used short points with rhetorical flourishes.

I agree none of this was conducive to a well-reasoned and objective debate. Often I don't consider I'm writing for an audience that comes here to learn - perhaps in future I should.

[olympusmons]

Thank you for clarifying. I appreciate the thoughtful response.