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Wow, it's a good thing you're not a writer...

Criticism is one of the best ways to learn to be better at what you do. "Hate this, hate that" may be negative but it is useful feedback from actual/potential users of your site/service/app/whatever.

HN is a far better site with useful comments than it is a site with solely positive comments.

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Ironically I am a writer - I've written a sitcom and had it made and have had my fair share of 'this is awful' comments - I get people won't like my stuff, I don't have a problem with that. I am making the point that the old HN crowd would give constructive feedback rather than just rip in to you...

I think the line between "ripping in" to someone and "constructive" criticism is a fine line, probably something to do with tone. Personally, I don't view (let alone comment) on product launches, I'm more of a code kind of guy, but from my position I see excellent discussion. I suspect that the negativity on product launches is because everyone can contribute - there's no skill barrier.

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