This is going to be a sucky diary. Just a forewarning.
Here's my problem: In interacting with different people on this site, I come across plenty of backhanded insults:
Comparing a commenter/author's opinion to cruel acts using bombastic language
Attacking a commenter/author's integrity by trying to catch them in contradictions
... And on. And on.
I mean, is it inappropriate to hide-rate these? I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, offer them a chance to clarify. Maybe they just messed up. I'm taking it the wrong way.
But what happens if you're accused of using the HR because you disagree with them? Do you try to argue the point further? Let it go?
I maybe use 2-3 HR's a week.
Maybe I'm just fretting over nothing. Half the community views HR's and Rec's as virtual merit-badges anyways. Hell, some even think its "a game" we play.
So, what do you think?
8:55 AM PT: So, thank you for all who commented. I've taken the advice of Adam B (and others), and am going to go back and re-evaluate where I stand on HR's.
I don't want to waste people's time- but do want to say "Thank You" for helping me get my head straight.