You read that comment completely out of context

I'm not sure to what extent I did that, but in any case I have a core disagreement with the claim that downvotes do not train newbies. My expectation is that the simple feedback mechanism increases the speed at which newbies absorb local norms and all my observations thus far confirm this. It isn't the only thing that teaches newbies and it isn't a perfect mechanism but it certainly helps. Most people don't like getting downvotes and are take action to avoid them.

The context in which I wrote that comment was this: I was explaining that OTHER new people don't get feedback, in order to explain that the downvotes aren't training them.

My position is that even in the absence of any explicit verbal feedback downvotes do train newbies (and non-newbies). Verbal explanations can also help (and sometimes hinder). I expect that there is plenty of scope for improving newbie learning through constructive feedback---this is something that complements and works alongside the karma system, not something made necessary because the the karma system is completely ineffective for the purpose.

But since you intended to save me from my own stupidity, I feel a little annoyed that you thought I needed it.

It is almost always a bad idea to use oneself as an example when making any kind of general criticism of the karma system. Disagreement will inevitably seem personal!

My intent was to notify you guys that without feedback, the downvotes don't train newbies. People seem to think they do, but unless people tell you their reasons for pressing the button, it's just a flurry of numbers. The power is not in vote buttons, it's in clear communication.

I disagreed. This is a testable prediction but not easily so. With a suitably designed experiment I would predict a greater degree of learning in the voted on but not explained group than you would. To be clear I think the power is in the vote buttons AND in clear communicaiton.

I definitely want to know when I make a mistake, but if you find yourself typing something to me like "oh, come on" or "are you really" in the future, please consider that I may not actually be stupid enough to warrant it. Thanks.

I am of course willing to use different phrasing. I was intending to convey that it is well within your capability to avoid downvotes if that was a task you set for yourself. It is legitimate to have other higher priorities than avoiding downvotes but those who are not trying to avoid them may appear not to be learning from them. That is, I was questioning that the "Ephiphany" anecdote is an indication that newbies do not learn from downvotes because they don't have enough information. I acknowledge from the parent that you are referring to earlier experience prior to you changing the way you interact and so the above is less applicable.