Ask HN: What online communities offer a high level of discussion?
I would define ‘level’ in this case to mean:
1) Generally, discussions are analytical, emphasising reasoning and evidence
2) Submissions and discussions deal with topics that are intellectually stimulating
3) Many commenters show a high level of expertise around a topic - these comments often float to the top
4) For the most part, people are civil. Those who are uncivil are usually downvoted
Admittedly, this is much easier to foster with a community discussing technology, science and math (with a sprinkling of news/current affairs)
I often use HN as my ‘filter’ to decide what is interesting, and to observe and engage in discussions that offer multiple perspectives on a topic. It’s a much better filter than a social media news feed.
I’d like to find other intellectually stimulating communities - perhaps with a broader range of topics under discussion than the technology/science bent of HN, but having a similar ‘level’ of discussion.