[onion2k]

The chilling effect is a bad thing for any individual who has a point they want to make, but it also makes people less reactionary and more thoughtful which is better for the community. Overall I think downvotes are a net positive.

[acct1771]

Isn't it only freezing those who care about their points, and/or the community?

[onion2k]

I don't think so. Back when I was running my startup I would occasionally refrain from posting on some of the more divisive topics where my opinions aren't inline with the concensus here.

Investors, customers, and peers read HN, so maintaining a clean history can seem moderately important.