[chana_masala]

It's like an extra powerful downvote button when someone disagrees with you.

[jacquesm]

No, it really isn't. Flags are used to mark comments that are breaking the guidelines, enough flags will kill a comment, but fewer will result in a moderator having a look at the comment, time permitting.

[chana_masala]

Haha, in theory that's true. But in practice comments are frequently flagged that the majority demographic of HN disagrees with, even breaking no guidelines. It's exactly what the OP to my comment was saying.

[jacquesm]

In practice they aren't, I should know. If your comments end up frequently flagged then you probably should read the guidelines a bit more closely.

[chana_masala]

You should know? As if you can speak for my own experience, and the experience of the above poster? We already outnumber you.