[kgin]

Most of the internet is actually a MMORPG where you use comment boxes to tell people why they're wrong.

HN is a very advanced level in this game, with high standards for gameplay, but it's very much a part of the game nonetheless.

[blurker]

haha, I found this funny and accurate. It captures what I feel is common among the toxic responses that make it past moderation/downvotes. HN has an acceptable way to say "#$!@ your ideas" and "I'm smarter" using intellectual or polite sounding words, but it's still the same thing. I might even prefer the more crass approach that gets filtered out. At least those are honest and not passive aggressive.

[krapp]

I've been grinding karma in this game for nearly a decade, my stats are the same, and I'm still stuck with this default skin and no good loot. Rate up is a lie!

[someguydave]

This answer does not quite capture my own experience on HN though