Judging a comment, or commenter, based on karma is asinine. Respond to comment, not commenter; ideas not people. You are not well representing HN, and this is my 'unpopular opinion' account talking. There are plenty of better ways to engage, and I do appreciate your enthusiasm for HN. Perhaps this is an apt introduction to the heated discussion that is HN.
Well, in my view I was responding both to the comment ("i am leaving") and the commentor (making the years of participation and 4000 points relevant). If someone has been a contributor for many years then we should consider why they chose to leave. it might be them, it might be us.
I actually believe i am representing HN as a place where different opinions can be voiced, hopefully in a manner to generate light not heat. Heated discussions are rarely the useful or interesting ones to read.
Thank you for appreciating my enthusiasm.
PS
Are you using two accounts - one ("my 'unpopular opinion' account) for saying things you fear people might not like? That seems odd. May I ask why?
This may be how you believe you see the world but most people take reputation into consideration and on sites which expose that information account age and karma are very popular cues for that.
Karma does not mean shit. It just means you are complaisant. I think the proper way to use things like HN/reddit is to always use a throwaway account and always speak your mind without the fear of negative karma...So I also agree 100% with the parent. Reply the comment, not the commenters, their karma or their entire history.
