...and this kind of comment is probably what was being called out. Its typical of HN comments - it deconstructs what was going on, and ranks it.
A sensitive person (read: designer) would call it mean. I think its just a different mode of discourse. It is not sweet or kind; it just is. No more mean than a compiler error message.
If the GP was "mean", I hope these sensitive people never see the rest of the Internet. They might die of a heart attack from the shock.
HN is, quite frankly, one of the most civilized forums I've ever had the pleasure of coming across. Of course, we should always strive for the better, regardless of what other sites do. But constructive criticism and pointing out of flaws in logic is not "mean" in and of itself.
Just because people are regularly called on their bald-faced assertions that don't hold up to scrutiny doesn't make this forum mean. What next, are we going to start claiming that cults and superstition deserve respect because otherwise someone's feelings might get hurt?
I don't really think it's fair to say designers are sensitive. I understand your sentiment, but generalizing personalities by profession is stereotyping and fans the flames.
Well done! Another deconstruction, and an analysis. You must be an engineer (Kidding!)
I think personality and profession are mightily correlated. To discriminate on that basis would be wrong, but to use that correlation for analysis can be very helpful.
I suspect designers can have opinions expressed about their work. But there's always the fact that its a matter of opinion or preference, so self-confidence can be protected by thinking "That's just their point of view. I know better"
Programmers can be just plain wrong. Then get dissected on HN, for all the world to see. That's hard to take.
But I still maintain HN is not 'mean'. And its not Alpha-Programmer posturing. Its a conversation about facts, indisputable much of the time.
The point is, if your self-image is threatened, maybe its for good reason and not because somebody is picking on you.
A sensitive person (read: designer) would call it mean. I think its just a different mode of discourse. It is not sweet or kind; it just is. No more mean than a compiler error message.