Sure, but it's possible to be negative about something without being rude or mean about it. I think one of the great things about YC.news is that everyone here is a 'builder/creator' in some way, and that makes us understand the work that goes into even unsuccessful things, and perhaps less likely to simply trash them.
I think it's also much easier to zing off a facile negative comment. Forcing yourself to write something positive (or at least non-negative) helps me focus on writing something truly insightful.
Good point. I try to do the same, which is why I post semi-frequently here, and never post on Reddit. This community tends to reward quality responses, whereas larger communities tend to evolve to the point of rewarding asinine negativity.
That said, most of the negative comments made by those on reddit about articles I have written tend to be fairly accurate...
Perhaps part of what makes this more of a 'community' is that most negative comments here are something you probably could say in person to the person in question, whereas the reddit comments, while accurate, are things you would (or should, at least) feel ashamed to say to someone's face.