>> Why is it just on HN that I run into these struggles
It's because HN is, actually, a very unique internet message board. It is
unique in that it takes its own guidelines very seriously and enforces them
very actively. Compared to every single other internet message board I've been
on (and I've been around the block a few times, like they say) flamewars are
prevented effectively and personal attacks are simply not tolerated.
For me, that's what keeps me combing back for more. HN is, well, a safe place,
where I can disagree with others, very strongly, without risking that a thread
will degenerate into put-downs and name-calling. This is in stark contrast to
other message boards where there seems to be a genuine belief that "winning" a
thread is some kind of achievement worthy of praise and self-respect.
So to be honest, if you're struggling to adjust to HN but you're feeling fine
on other message boards then I'm inclined to believe that, on the balance of
probabilities, it's because you bring with you behaviours and ways of
communicating that you've learned on other message boards that are
incompatible with HN, and that you are unwilling to change.
P.S. :%s/combing back/coming back/g. But it's a funny one, so I'm leaving it
like that.
A) I've been on HN for 10 years, I'm not "coming from" or "struggling to adjust" anywhere and B) I didn't mean "other message boards" I meant literally every other community I belong to, both professionally and personally. Online and offline.
HN isn't special, dang is the problem, specifically dang. He needs to go. If he goes, I can thrive just fine. During the times he leaves me alone I thrive in here. When he attacks me, that's when I struggle.
This addiction to HN being a special place is complete and utter nonsense, and if that's the koolaid you're drinking, we have little to say to one another.
It's because HN is, actually, a very unique internet message board. It is unique in that it takes its own guidelines very seriously and enforces them very actively. Compared to every single other internet message board I've been on (and I've been around the block a few times, like they say) flamewars are prevented effectively and personal attacks are simply not tolerated.
For me, that's what keeps me combing back for more. HN is, well, a safe place, where I can disagree with others, very strongly, without risking that a thread will degenerate into put-downs and name-calling. This is in stark contrast to other message boards where there seems to be a genuine belief that "winning" a thread is some kind of achievement worthy of praise and self-respect.
So to be honest, if you're struggling to adjust to HN but you're feeling fine on other message boards then I'm inclined to believe that, on the balance of probabilities, it's because you bring with you behaviours and ways of communicating that you've learned on other message boards that are incompatible with HN, and that you are unwilling to change.
P.S. :%s/combing back/coming back/g. But it's a funny one, so I'm leaving it like that.