LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Banning Said Achmiz (and broader thoughts on moderation)” by habryka
Aug 23, 2025
The host dives into the challenging decision to ban a controversial user after years of trying to foster better dialogue. They examine online discourse toxicity and how one person's behavior can disrupt community engagement. Different moderation models are explored, highlighting the balance between authority and accountability. The importance of communication norms and user responsibilities is discussed, alongside reflections on past moderation actions and their cultural implications.
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Sneer Culture Silently Kills Communities
- The sneer attractor rewards vague, status-making criticism that hides its actual complaint.
- This dynamic can quietly kill a community by discouraging substantive contributions.
Mutual Reputation Protection Harms Truth
- The LinkedIn attractor produces vacuous praise and mutual reputation protection among insiders.
- It trades honest criticism for social safety, harming calibration of competence.
Trade-Off Between Candor And Culture
- Said has acted as a cultural counterweight preventing slide to LinkedIn-style politeness.
- That value competes with his harmful sneering dynamics, creating a trade-off for the site.
