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Comment by phkahler | Hacker News Reader

I object to using the term "virtuous cycle" to describe positive feedback. Actually I object to the term "positive feedback" when talking to non-engineers because it can be misconstrued as imposing a judgement on it. But calling it virtuous? I suppose from the business point of view it's a really good thing. "reinforcing cycle" IMHO is more accurate.

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I hate the terms "virtuous cycle" and "vicious cycle" with passion. Just name the damn things correctly (positive/negative feedback loop), or at least refer to their behaviour (reinforcing / dampening).

And in general, I think basics of feedback loops should be taught in primary school. I am scared by the fact so many regular people don't comprehend these basic concepts (which is often evident in discussions, when you see people missing obvious consequences of their ideas because they don't get the concept of feedback).

"Virtuous" and "vicious" cycles both refer to positive feedback, and differ only in value judgement they imply, so arguably the value judgement is the entire point of using these terms. I can't think of a common use term for negative feedback off the top of my head.

> I can't think of a common use term for negative feedback off the top of my head.

"self-defeating"?

And "self-limiting", maybe, for a "bad" value judgement.

>Just name the damn things correctly (positive/negative feedback loop), or at least refer to their behaviour (reinforcing / dampening).

Ah, so that's what they're called.

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