Since we're already way off-topic, allow me to share my idea for solving this perennial problem: When commenting, there is a little selector:
[ ] My comment is on-topic and positive to neutral
[ ] My comment is critical
[ ] My comment is off-topic
You've got to select one. When viewing, the comment thread defaults to just showing on-topic, non-negative comments, but you can see the other stuff, too, if you want.
This solves two seemingly contradictory desires: the ability to read comments on things that interest you without having to fend off waves of negativity and wade through pools of offtopic text and the ability to speak freely.
[ ] My comment is on-topic and positive to neutral
[ ] My comment is critical
[ ] My comment is off-topic
You've got to select one. When viewing, the comment thread defaults to just showing on-topic, non-negative comments, but you can see the other stuff, too, if you want.
This solves two seemingly contradictory desires: the ability to read comments on things that interest you without having to fend off waves of negativity and wade through pools of offtopic text and the ability to speak freely.