This is one of the very few sites I've flagged in my 3+ year HN history. Here's why: HN seems to work because we focus our attention on high-quality posts and "content-filled" comments. Low-quality (and sometimes unpopular, unfortunately) comments are penalized.
This project -- if it does what it claims -- seems to focus on people that create low-quality comments (i.e., "trolls"). In a way, it's rewarding them for their behavior. (and yes, I realize the irony in my comment).
Also, it blanket labels anyone meeting its algorithmic threshold as a "hater", when in fact they may just have written something unpopular.
So I'd prefer for people to create value using HN's API in more positive, constructive ways.
I would say this project alone seems harmless enough, but this regarding this comment from the author's blog post I have to say I agree with you on:
> *Side Note: Eventually I would love to turn this into a Chrome App that will just real-time analyze any user on a page when you visit hacker news and put a score right next to them so the world can see if they hate or love. I’m also going to build versions of this for Twitter, reddit, Instagram, Facebook, and maybe even dating apps. If you want to help, reach out!
I think both of you have great points. I am not trying to demean anyone or give extra credit to trolls. I do agree that this app is focused on "haters" though. It was more just a fun experiment to see how well it would even work. One thing I noticed is that most people on Hacker News have well thought out comments and are not in fact "haters" (usually only a few percent likely they post insulting comments.) As far as a chrome extension, my intention would be to help give people context for comments based on previous actions. I think transparency can sometimes be powerful and give someone an additional lens to look through when encountering an encouraging or discouraging comment.
This project -- if it does what it claims -- seems to focus on people that create low-quality comments (i.e., "trolls"). In a way, it's rewarding them for their behavior. (and yes, I realize the irony in my comment).
Also, it blanket labels anyone meeting its algorithmic threshold as a "hater", when in fact they may just have written something unpopular.
So I'd prefer for people to create value using HN's API in more positive, constructive ways.
Just my opinion, obviously.