&gt; Opinions about what they&#x27;re using may have one very narrow use<p>My general rule of thumb is the same I use for HN, if you want to comment about something non-related, or make an observation that isn&#x27;t really relevant, make sure to contribute as well, preferably first in the comment.  For StackOverflow, that would be offering a solution, or help in some way before offering as <i>additional</i> observation that &quot;if this were me, I&#x27;d do X&quot;.  For HN this is most commonly useful when making a joke.  Unless your joke is insightful and relevant,you&#x27;re best including some additional content contributing to the discussion at hand.