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Thanks. Look, it's the nature of text-only that doesn't capture very much of a person's "state". In order to do that with any sort of fidelity, a considerably longer post is required. Of course something short like that could be interpreted as snarky, or it could be interpreted in the spirit in which is was offered, a playful one. I understand, everything here on HN is dead serious and so trying to make a joke will go over like a lead balloon. I guess what I find disturbing is that if people were to take that comment from a different point of view, giving me the benefit of the doubt (like the original poster was granted), I think people would not be so quick to rush to be offended. I also don't know if all HN folks know about letmegooglethatforyou.com and I think it's kinda fun and playful. Lastly, pg is not God, and invoking his name as if he has the "last word" is, I think, not helpful. I appreciate his opinion, but that's all it is. And he ain't perfect, as he will instantly admit. (As I will instantly admit!) Now, I will go back to being my serious self, because, you know, everything on HN is serious! Laughing is not allowed. Apparently... |
You could've phrased your submission as:
Then it would've been informative as well, and, in my experience, less likely to be downvoted. HN is a multi-cultural place, and the potential for misunderstandings abounds. I've been in countries where what I thought of as a completely innocent remark has been regarded as a serious insult. I don't know how familiar you are with other cultures, but levity is frequently heavily culturally based, and getting it wrong can make you look like a complete jerk. People here usually appreciate the respectful nature of the site.There is humor here, it's just of a different kind.