[grzm]

I share your frustration with the inflammatory discussion we can sometimes see here at HN. If this is something you care about, there are things you can do. Participate in discussions constructively and charitably. You're right about writing a comment and expecting someone's mind is going to be changed. I try to keep in mind that it's not necessarily about "changing people's minds", it's at least partly about understanding and making yourself understood first. Encourage good comments by up-voting them. Gently and neutrally point out behavior that's not acceptable on HN. Flag and down vote inappropriate behavior. For particularly egregious behavior, email the mods. That's part of being part of the community.

[FrancoDiaz]

Participate in discussions constructively and charitably

The problem is that invariably the amount of destruction and uncharitable discussion outweighs the constructive and charitable discussion in these threads.

It's always a net loss on these types of threads.

These types of threads always put a stain on the reputation of HN as a place of intelligent conversation. There's some really immoral and despicable lines of thought in this thread.

[grzm]

Yeah, actually engaging in the discussion can be difficult and problematic. I don't think it's always a net loss, though I agree that it often can be.

If you choose not to, the other options listed above are all still valid and valuable ways of participating and contributing to the community. I hope you do!