[hirundo]

It's a problem that we've made a reasonable amount of bragging into a social error. Your HN rank is in fact a substantive accomplishment, acknowledging that you're in the top small fraction of contributors to one of the most valuable communities on the web. Thank you for making it richer for me. And there's also nothing wrong with speculating about better uses for your time.

I don't think its assholery to make a legit brag or to bow to tall poppy syndrome. I think it's sad that the bow to the all too human neurosis has become required by etiquette.