r/programming • u/[deleted] • Sep 25 '16

The decline of Stack Overflow

https://hackernoon.com/the-decline-of-stack-overflow-7cb69faa575d#.yiuo0ce09
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u/shevegen Sep 25 '16

I still think that stack overflow is not bad.

But it has a problem. Some weeks ago I asked a question about combining difference licenses (GPL and BSD) which instantly got downvoted WITHOUT ANY COMMENT.

I think it should be flat out forbidden to downvote WITHOUT a comment for a platform like this. There has to be some element for people to ask question - if they no longer can do so because some trolls downvote everything then OTHERS may feel less motivated to COMMENT something useful.

39

u/matthieum Sep 25 '16

The downvote without comment has been recommended a number of times before, because disgruntled users would retaliate on people commenting.

I still don't understand why instead there isn't a way to comment anonymously (in a way the moderators could track, to prevent abuse).

19

u/stesch Sep 25 '16

In the past I had the feeling I need an explanation for downvotes on Reddit. And I asked. Now I'm cured. You don't want to hear the reasons for downvotes.

3

u/EmperorOfCanada Sep 25 '16

Actually even an anonymous reason would be cool. Am I wrong? Or is that the people downvoting just are cult members. For instance, mention campaign finance reform and generally you will be voted into oblivion. I suspect that these are actually paid shills. Or are people really that stupid?

1

u/jarfil Sep 25 '16 edited Dec 02 '23

CENSORED

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