undefined | Better HN

0 pointsben_w2y ago0 comments

> I do, however, have a huge HN problem.

So I've noticed — you and pjc50 are on enough threads, with interesting enough comments, that you fit into the same bit of my brain otherwise used for celebrities like Tom Scott and Scott Manly.

(Weirdly, most other high-karma accounts don't get filed like that in my head)

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TeMPOraL2y ago

In my case, it's likely because I post a lot of sophisticated sounding nonsense - I'm the biological ancestor of ChatGPT :). That, plus I tend to binge on HN, which makes my comments come in bursts - I either post nothing, or comment in 15 different subthreads across 5 different submissions simultaneously. So when you spot me in one place, you'll probably see me everywhere that day.

Other high-karma accounts likely post in less bursty mode, and only write high-value comments on select topics, so you spot them less.

gonehome2y ago

I recognize your account too, and while I’m way less prolific I can relate to the same conversational draw and compulsion.

I noticed I had it less when working in the office in the Bay Area where it was more possible to engage in these kinds of discussions more frequently in person.

I suspect it’s just hard to get that kind of group together in the world outside of weird circumstances so it’s easier to find it online.

imartin2k2y ago

Interesting. I almost never comment on HN, and if I do, it tends to be without a lot of substance, like this one.

The thought of feeling a compulsion to participate in a lot of HN comment threads is very hard for me to imagine. My general reflexive feeling towards commenting is “waste of my time”. Particularly if there’s the risk to end up in some heated argument. Those are the worst.

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mixmastamyk2y ago

You might ask to get limited. My account is limited to a about three comments per hour. If I exceed I’m told to slow down. dang didn’t like one of my posts—not sure why this solution was chosen but it was.

I’ve also set my maxvisit and minaway on my profile. So I can get more things done.

dredmorbius2y ago

TeMPOraL has extensive experience with trying to limit HN distractions, see in part:

<http://jacek.zlydach.pl/blog/2020-05-25-blocking-distraction...>

But see: <https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36125138>

I also recall him specifically asking dang to disable his account, which ended up being accomplished through either the "noprocrast" or "limit" features, though I can't find the comment (it was likely either on HN or the Fediverse).

Somewhat amusingly, I happened to catch his re-appearance on HN within 45 minutes of his resuming commenting, for whatever that has to say about the both of us.

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