I have to admit that sometimes HN comments feel like writing practice to me. I'm not aiming for internet points directly, rather the immediate feedback gives me a sense of how much my views resonate (or more importantly when they dont)
It's not clear to me, but people think I'm a very good writer. It could be it's because I write a lot to clients. But I think getting your opinion out without getting downvoted on HN has helped me dealing with clients and prospects to let them understand my opinion, in a non intrusive way.
