[NotSwift]

Most humans act pretty decently when they encounter other humans in real life.

However, this changes rapidly when they are using technology. Many people who are pretty decent otherwise can say horrible things on the phone or email. I have seen this a lot of times. So it is pretty important to think about ways for people to disagree without descending into some stupid flame-war.

[ksaj]

Some online conversations remind me of a night at a typical pub.

Early in the evening, people are getting along just fine. By full sundown, some people are becoming boisterous. By the end of the night, fists are flying because everyone has offended everyone else.

Basically your typical online comment thread. HN does an amazing job at curtailing this typical behaviour. You could say dang is a good bouncer.