Hey, thanks - I wasn't aware of that. Glad to have learned it.

But you can probably tell that there is no need to be snarky. Just your first sentence would have been more in line with how people engage with each other around here.

Your comment's first sentence says "getting a tick is no big event."

My response aims to inhibit and disrupt the complacency neuron of the reader that might have been activated by your comment. Sorry, but learning hurts sometimes.

I'd argue it's perfectly fine to have some snark reacting to a comment spreading a potentially dangerous sentiment.

I have at least one serious regret about trusting someone on the internet saying something incorrect confidently.

And tick-borne encephalitis, in regions where that is endemic.

No need to be rude, though!

HN has very specific rules for this: https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

You don't respond to them at all, flag the comment, and/or email the moderators.

Being snarky does not contribute to the discussion and gets your comments flagged.

So you (high karma user) are recommending that I (low karma user) simply flag (which I can't do) and not respond (leaving no trace) to misinformation?

I should respond to bad info by continuing to lurk. Very smart!

Yes, if you're unable to be polite about it, just don't comment and/or email the moderators. Your comment would have been informative and well-received without the snark.

You were right to call out the other person for trivializing the risks of tick bites, just assume good faith and be kind.