[Inu]

Off topic, but why is this thread (207 points | 5 hours ago | 474 comments) on page 2, rank 37, and the thread about Italo Calvino (62 points | 7 hours ago | 19 comments) on page 1, rank 23?

[belval]

The HackerNews algorithm uses velocity (I don't know the exact equation) to rank posts so a post with 20 points acquired in a 5 minutes span will generally outperform a 400 points post for which the points are only trickling in.

[alexpetralia]

I believe threads which are heavily upvoted & downvoted (i.e. potential flame war) are penalized.

[b0afc375b5]

But doesn't this discourage discussion?