I think we should be able to detect this with a smart data analysis program that is able to do SQL queries on the database that holds the LW voting records.
In theory, yes. However, LW is based on Reddit code, and the code and the database structure are quite difficult. (See some example database scripts here.)
I am new here. But what about just disable downvoting? Good comments will be voted up, bad comments will not be voted at all, and will rot in the bottom. Why remove them?
Possibly, you could have a “report” button to ask a moderator to review a very offensive comment.
I am new here. But what about just disable downvoting?
Please no. Disabling downvoting would just turn “voting” into a popularity contest. Downvotes work well overall, and abuse of the karma system is quite rare.
Disabling downvoting would just turn “voting” into a popularity contest.
Downvoting doesn’t stop it from being a popularity contest. If you don’t like someone, you can vote them down just as much as you can vote up people you like.
But what about just disable downvoting? Good comments will be voted up, bad comments will not be voted at all, and will rot in the bottom. Why remove them?
Downvotes serve a number of useful purposes. We do want to maintain a culture of high standards and differentiate between comments that some like and others dislike and comments that aren’t disliked by anyone. (If you only have to worry about playing to your supporters, then you are less likely to be charitable and polite.)
I think we should be able to detect this with a smart data analysis program that is able to do SQL queries on the database that holds the LW voting records.
In theory, yes. However, LW is based on Reddit code, and the code and the database structure are quite difficult. (See some example database scripts here.)
I am new here. But what about just disable downvoting? Good comments will be voted up, bad comments will not be voted at all, and will rot in the bottom. Why remove them?
Possibly, you could have a “report” button to ask a moderator to review a very offensive comment.
Please no. Disabling downvoting would just turn “voting” into a popularity contest. Downvotes work well overall, and abuse of the karma system is quite rare.
Downvoting doesn’t stop it from being a popularity contest. If you don’t like someone, you can vote them down just as much as you can vote up people you like.
Welcome!
Downvotes serve a number of useful purposes. We do want to maintain a culture of high standards and differentiate between comments that some like and others dislike and comments that aren’t disliked by anyone. (If you only have to worry about playing to your supporters, then you are less likely to be charitable and polite.)
I believe there used to be one, but it went away some years ago. I don’t know why. Maybe it was being abused, or was found to just not be useful.