Re: down votes. HN isn't a forum for people to disagree and discuss.
It's a hive mind where dissenters are punished via down votes for hurt feelings.
Regarding people being selfish... There is nothing selfish about self preservation. The problem is we have a negative view on "price gouging" which is just economic triage.
There wouldn't be a run on toilet paper if it cost 10x the normal price. It costs you nothing to stock up, so people do.
>> Regarding people being selfish... There is nothing selfish about self preservation.
No, but purchasing much more of an item that you are ever likely going to need (at the cost of everyone who isn't doing that) is selfish. Stock up on enough essentials to get you through a self-quarantine period (2-3 weeks). Don't buy enough to last the next 12 months because a) it's completely unnecessary and b) you're preventing other people stocking up enough to cover a self-quarantine period.
It's a hive mind where dissenters are punished via down votes for hurt feelings.
Regarding people being selfish... There is nothing selfish about self preservation. The problem is we have a negative view on "price gouging" which is just economic triage.
There wouldn't be a run on toilet paper if it cost 10x the normal price. It costs you nothing to stock up, so people do.