Let me just say it straight out: I think this is a truly terrible idea.
I've been reading HN for over 3 years and I am more than happy to use my own judgment to ignore comments that do not contribute to the discussion. I rather have that than miss a comment that others have not deemed important.
(technically this does not apply to me as I have karma > 1000, but I am speaking from the viewpoint of somebody who hasn't)
We do not need rules like this. We need good judgment.
Good judgment cannot be enforced; it has to be cultivated. It'd be better to post reminders about etiquette somewhere prominently and trust that people tend to do the right thing (and most people do).
I've been reading HN for over 3 years and I am more than happy to use my own judgment to ignore comments that do not contribute to the discussion. I rather have that than miss a comment that others have not deemed important.
(technically this does not apply to me as I have karma > 1000, but I am speaking from the viewpoint of somebody who hasn't)
We do not need rules like this. We need good judgment.
Good judgment cannot be enforced; it has to be cultivated. It'd be better to post reminders about etiquette somewhere prominently and trust that people tend to do the right thing (and most people do).