Does the Product Hunt Community section need a downvote button?

Question

We have all seen them. The low quality, low effort posts. (Maybe you think this is one).

Would the ability to downvote posts make PH better? (Or would it end up like some other websites we know of)

André J · Accepted Answer

Or just upvote the good ones. Cream rises to the top ;)

Kabir · Answer

Based on the ethos of PH, I think the downgrade button is inappropriate. But I hear you!

Sahil🎧⚛️ · Answer

it has it's own pros and cons

Michael Shver · Answer

Not sure. We already have a "Popular" filter for most upvoted posts, would it really change how it will be formed? Or do you see posts not showing up after being seriously downvoted? Like, how will it work?

Sergei Vorniches · Answer

I think the downvote itself is a good thing as it represents the other side of a viewpoint, but I do not believe that the downvote button alone can fix the overall quality. Product Hunt has a great community, but sometimes it's too... supportive?

I rarely see anything representing critical feedback, in a constructive way, of course. And when I do see something that could be criticized in a positive way, I prefer to stay out of the discussion like everyone else (a.k.a. zero comments).

Maybe the downvote button can become the catalyst for more free expression, but without a change in perspective, it cannot achieve anything positive.

Does the Product Hunt Community section need a downvote button?

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