> Comment scores make group beliefs far more obvious. Common knowledge of group beliefs is a necessary condition for groupthink.
True -- but obviousness is not a prerequisite of common knowledge in a knowledge-oriented community like this. Maybe if it was Digg the scores themselves would be a lot more necessary for groupthink.
> The thing we need to be afraid of is public praise or shame for writing a well-received or poorly-received comment.
I think you're underestimating the power of a pat on the back.
> I disagree. When people are called out publicly for unpopular beliefs, they tend to commit to them even stronger.
See above, re: "being smart". Were you not reading what I said?
True -- but obviousness is not a prerequisite of common knowledge in a knowledge-oriented community like this. Maybe if it was Digg the scores themselves would be a lot more necessary for groupthink.
> The thing we need to be afraid of is public praise or shame for writing a well-received or poorly-received comment.
I think you're underestimating the power of a pat on the back.
> I disagree. When people are called out publicly for unpopular beliefs, they tend to commit to them even stronger.
See above, re: "being smart". Were you not reading what I said?