[ColemanF]

I don't have any UX training (Econ major, myself), but I recommend making bigger stories take up more space, like TechMeme does. I do like how you de-emphasized related stories, because they make TechMeme kind of noisy. I also miss the pictures TechMeme puts next to most stories. In general, it is a little bland, as you seem to realize. Then again, HN is bland and I don't have a problem with it.

The story ranking and discovery is good, though. Seems on par with TechMeme, which is impressive.

I found it with a Facebook ad. Are you advertising it a little just to see if it takes off, or what?

Anyways, good job and good luck.