[kevinbowman]

The FAQ (https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html) is the most authoritative source of info, but if you look at @dang’s post history there’s some interesting discussion of other algorithms in use (a recent one was about giving some submissions a “second chance” at making it onto the front page).

From the FAQ: “””

How are stories ranked?

The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranked the same way.

Other factors affecting rank include user flags, anti-abuse software, software which demotes overheated discussions, account or site weighting, and moderator action. “””