[abyssin]

I once posted a honest question and I have to say I felt chilled by the downvotes. I'd have expected votes to reflect a more constructive attitude.

[dredmorbius]

I consider myself something of an HN contrarian.

There are some downvotes, though on balance I've been better received than I'd expected.

Sometimes researching on your own to indicate you've attempted clarification, helps. "Did you mean / are you referring to X? ..."