obviously not intended by HN, but it seems the comments where some one is called out or flamed, get a lot of comments and as a result, points for the creator of post. Is this fair? Doesn't it encourage more flaming post or comments?
Why was I not allowed to submit a thread?<p>it kept coming back to submit page? The submission ask if the thread filled flames of newbie startup entrepeneur was harmful to other newbie startup trying to learn the ropes and who only come here for seeking support, network and info? Is it good to accuse them of any other intention then that?<p>Just an FYI. I have a community website that is for the Parents, cadets, family and friends of a military service academy (nothing to do with my startup), I cannot imagine my members treating each other the way I have been treated in just one thread. Also, ON our site we encourage each other to posts, not discourage them so we too can have content and discussion worth while.<p>Just because this is a extremely active site, should not be a reason for people that have the power, to do everything in their power, to shut down a newbies good intentions!
No. It does not encourage flaming. Being able to downvote posts discourages it because:<p>1. Downvotes give an outlet for expressing disapproval without incorporating a mechanism for <i>ad hominem</i>.<p>2. Flames tend to get downvoted.<p>3. Flamewars tend to get shut down quickly via moderation.