On what basis have you come to believe that you are well positioned to offer reasoned advice in regard to how I, or anyone else should vote and comment on HN?
It already is suitable for those things. Downvoting in lieu of wrestling pigs in mud puddles is, in my experience is one reason why. [1] Complaining about karma and its mechanisms is a dead end from both a metaphysical and literary point of view.
Downvotes avoid turning disagreements into excuses to accuse other people of character flaws, as in your comments toward me.
[1] Though here apparently I cannot avoid the invitation.
Downvoting in lieu of wrestling pigs in mud puddles is, in my experience
is one reason why.
Downvoting is often used on controversial comments. That blocks controversial discussion.
I think we should not block a controversial discussion if it's serious, rational and constructive.
Complaining about karma and its mechanisms is a dead end from
both a metaphysical and literary point of view.
Here you are overstating. It depends on the participants.
You can avoid that from happening by being constructive, respectful and serious, and stoping the discussion if the other is not.
Downvotes avoid turning disagreements into excuses to accuse
other people of character flaws, as in your comments toward me.
I see more options than either
(1) to downvote to disagree or
(2) to accuse other people of character flaws.
The attitude of thinking of other people one disagrees with as "fucking morons" is problematic independently on whether one downvotes for disagreement or not. It's not accusing a character flaw, it's simply criticizing one specific attitude.
I think you should be told. So, if nobody else would have said it, I would have done it anyway.
I judged you as I did to help make comments on HN suitable for having critical, rational, constructive and respectful discussions.
My basement is your comment.
And, being "well positioned" is not necessary for giving reasoned advice.