I think it would be very valuable, if downvoting would only be possible if one at the same time writes a short explanation why they downvote.<p>The reason for an upvote is pretty obvious. The upvoted author usually explained his point.<p>But what is the meaning for a downvote? This info could be very valuable.<p>For example, today I posted this:<p>https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11361031<p>What do I learn from the downvotes it got? That my post was too unfriendly? That the facts are wrong? That people disagree in some other way?<p>I would really like to know.
I would guess you were downvoted for being sanctimonious. Not just harsh in your enumeration of the ways they screwed up, but throwing this in at the end, <i>"But please stand up and fight for the right thing. For a better world. Not just for a bit of profit by bending the rules"</i>, as if you didn't feel like it was enough to pile on to them, you had to make the judgment that they were just a bunch of bottom-feeding assholes. So I can see why you were down voted.
My experience is that you usually know why you were downvoted if you think about it, and if you have a pattern of being downvoted, at least one of your comments is likely to have someone reply to it explaining what's likely the reason.
I constantly get downvoted. It's not very beneficial to your karma to have unpopular opinions here... Instead of up/down votes a la Reddit, which comes with the Reddit mentality, too, implement Facebook or Emoji reactions. Be positive! Best for your actual karma is to ignore and not to punish (i.e. downvote). Popular posts get more upvotes, so, they essentially push up the good stuff anyway.<p>I think downvote should only be a reply, but, of course, you can guess who downvoted you... which is fine as hackers should not be cowards!
The info could be very valuable. Or it could be not valuable at all. It could be inflammatory. It could be dead wrong.<p>Remember, you are not your down votes. Or your up votes. Share the things you'd like to share. Hopefully, someone will appreciate it (whether they vote or not). Say the things you'd like to say. Be nice to people.
I honestly think the entire idea of downvoting available only for selected users creates a mass conciousness manipulation tool. When some "authority" decides what's good and what's bad.<p>Why can't I use the downvote button? It either must be available to everyone, or not available at all.<p>And if you, HN founders, are afraid that newcomers can be smarter than you, then remove the ability to downvote altogether. Whoever dislikes a post, can just ignore it.<p>P.S. The entire user rating system here contradicts the resource name. Hackers do not believe in karma.