[benreesman]

This comment is an example of why I’ve become skeptical of the downvote button. It sounds like people read it, knew better, and politely pointed out that it was incorrect.

Everyone who might have shared the same misapprehension learned something and the parent wasn’t being an asshole.

Doesn’t that add to the discussion?

[nkurz]

Yes, when considered along with the corrective responses, it adds to the discussion. This is why it shouldn't be flagged and removed. On the other hand, it's factually wrong and would be misleading if people were to trust the claims uncritically, which I think justifies a downvote. Keeping it visible but lower on the page and showing it in gray seems like a pretty good compromise. Can you suggest a better way of giving more prominence to correct information? Or do you think that's not the right priority for the site?

[ndm000]

Side question - do you need to reach a certain level of membership with HN to see the downvote button? I may be missing something, but seems that's only allowed for certain individuals.

[nkurz]

Yes, there's a minimum number of points required to downvote. I think it's currently 500. Here's an unofficial FAQ that give more information about the thresholds: https://github.com/minimaxir/hacker-news-undocumented/blob/m...

[nautilius]

Didn't downvote, but I am not a big fan of simply making stuff up on the fly as response. I've met my share of people who rather go this route than put in a 5sec Google search or simply admit they don't know something, and I try to avoid them.