[grenoire]

As a rule of thumb, if you would like to not get downvoted for controversial statements, please source your assumptions.

[jimbokun]

Transcript of a Freakonomics podcast discussing this issue:

http://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-true-story-of-the-gender...

[SamReidHughes]

This isn't controversial (among people who look at reality), it's well known and sources are easily found.

[weberc2]

Downvotes are fine with me; I don't put much stock in Internet points. I'm not trying to be persuasive in my single-sentence internet quip; if people care to learn more, they can do their own research.

[52-6F-62]

You’re engaging in discussion and the downvotes aren’t disagreement here. They’re a sign your comment wasn’t contributing much of value.

[jonahx]

> downvotes aren’t disagreement here

While this may be the official intention, in practice it is not the case. Afaict, disagreement elicits downvotes the majority of the time.

[weberc2]

What then do the upvotes signify?