[rootusrootus]

Very true. And both Apple- and Google-related discussions brings out both sides in force. In this case we have a story that involves both, so I am not at all surpised to see it get contentious.

Personally, I've observed (via the voting mechanism and commentary) several different cohorts of people visit HN throughout the day. You get a real sense that opinions are regional and tribal. Europeans in the early morning, then east coast and flyover states, and then brace for impact when SV (in particular Googlers and/or pro-Googlers) pile on. It's fascinating.

[nabakin]

I think the trends you are seeing, are most likely due to bias and not objective analysis. Try as we might, humans are subjective beings and truth is difficult for us discern, especially with so many variables.

[rootusrootus]

Well, yes, of course I have not done a rigorous scientific analysis. But I can tell you from repeated experiences that if I say anything a bit critical of Europe or Europeans then I will get downvoted heavily in the wee hours of the day, and almost always will make that up and then some about midday (Pacific time). On the other hand, if I say something critical of Google then in the wee hours it'll usually get a bunch of upvotes, and then lose them all about midday.

No science here, absolutely, but I have had great success so far predicting in advance what the voting pattern is going to be on a comment I make. I treat it a bit like a sport.