I don't think this is as much about tone as it is the manners and recklessness. You are using Paul's essay, How to Disagree, to take an in-depth look at comments, but you're forgetting the basic rules that are set forth in the HN guidelines.
Be civil. Don't say things you wouldn't say in a face to face conversation.
...
Please don't use uppercase for emphasis.
angryindian's comment disregards both of these rules. And while it is not mentioned in the guidelines, most HN users would agree that poor grammar, punctuation, and writing overall signify that a comment has been made without proper time and/or thought.
The manners and the quality of the comment are the reasons why I disliked it. The tone is something different all together (don't confuse it with manners). As Paul said, a tone is hard to judge and varies from person to person. However, manners and quality of writing are something that get in way of the substance and bring down the overall quality of the site. Comments that lack these traits should be frowned upon.
Before you cut back on HN, think about what tone really is.
The manners and the quality of the comment are the reasons why I disliked it. The tone is something different all together (don't confuse it with manners). As Paul said, a tone is hard to judge and varies from person to person. However, manners and quality of writing are something that get in way of the substance and bring down the overall quality of the site. Comments that lack these traits should be frowned upon.
Before you cut back on HN, think about what tone really is.