[ktizo]

However, it is also worth considering that a more neutral title may not have made it onto the front page.

[rdl]

The strings "Bruce Schneier" and "TSA" individually make it likely, and together, almost guaranteed.

[ktizo]

I wasn't aware that I was making that contentious a statement.

Was just meaning that the titles on a news site are effectively headlines and that the style of how they are written can massively effect how much attention they are given.

[goostavos]

>massively effect how much attention they are given.

This is very true. And is also a massive problem with news sites. You didn't post a accurate, descriptive title, you posted an editorialized opinion.

Yes, you get lots of views if you distort the article (18% do NOT agree that he lost the debate), but catchy title does not good journalism make.

I think HN should shy away from this sort of thing. We'll all complain about Fox, MSNBC and the Drudge Report for their ridiculous headlines (This just in, Obama sacrificed a child! Click for story!!), lets apply the same set of critical standards here.

Otherwise we'll become /r/politics..

[ktizo]

I didn't post any title, accurate, descriptive or otherwise.

I'm not the OP, I was just commenting is all.

[redsymbol]

I wasn't aware that I was making that contentious a statement.

I agree; in fact I found your comment insightful and relevant. Seems strange to me that people were voting it down.