That's more of a guideline aimed at people who *aren't* assholes in person.

diolpah · on Oct 13, 2011

Brilliant judgement you've made of someone you don't know. I'm sure this particular instance of incivility will garner you plenty of upvotes, however.

philwelch · on Oct 14, 2011

I'm just taking what you said at face value. If you come on HN, act like an asshole, and go on to say you'd behave the same in person, then the inference is pretty obvious, isn't it?

mentat · on Oct 14, 2011

Because people disagree with whether your approach is acceptable in any case. It's not that hard to understand.