[ghotli]

I guess this is a sort of meta comment rather than a reply. You seem like someone who hasn't had an account for a long time and upon clicking your profile I see that is in fact the case. It seems plausible that you haven't read the site guidelines, so I'll be that guy and point you to them. I like this place largely because of the good moderation. I hope you come to like this place for the same as the years go on.

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

[jeanlucas]

Good message, still the best measure is just to down vote bad posts

[ghotli]

I disagree, but mostly just in the present. Sometimes I take an active approach to getting unconstructive communication out of where my eyes naturally go. It's rare. It's a feeling in a moment in a context as kind as I can possibly be. This has been net positive, but sure we agree in this context it's just a forum on the internet and I click my share of downvotes like any other.

[righthand]

Agreed, addressing the bully directly allows them to see they are wrong. The HN “just downvote it” is passive aggressive and disincentivizes interaction. It may work well for Apple related threads or other noisy topics to help cut the noise down but you’re still basically telling people to “shut up” which feels bad if you’re on the receiving end. Some people are just emoting even if it’s off-base.

Responding to cruelty with more cruelty, breeds cruelty.