In the first case, then simply upvote the comment you agree with. Remember that when you downvote a comment, you're essentially downvoting the entire discussion associated with that comment as well, affecting its visibility to others. Don't downvote substantive comments just because you disagree with them, it robs HN of quality content.
If everyone downvotes to disagree, the net effect is to reinforce the majority view and create an echo chamber. Use the downvote to enforce community standards, not community opinion. Many people have a hard time understanding the distinction, but it's an important one.
If everyone downvotes to disagree, the net effect is to reinforce the majority view and create an echo chamber. Use the downvote to enforce community standards, not community opinion. Many people have a hard time understanding the distinction, but it's an important one.