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by btown 728 days ago
I see the name "dang" discussed here quite a bit; it seems to be an internal code name for a highly effective algorithm for surfacing relevant content. Whatever it is, it seems to be far more intelligent than any other automated system I've seen. Has HN somehow created a sentient recommendation system?
2 comments
arduanika 728 days ago
No, it's just a minced oath, as in "dang, that was a good moderation call".
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wizzwizz4 728 days ago
The algorithm is actually quite old. While dang is the result of numerous modern innovations, the approach has roots in a 1770 technique due to Johann Wolfgang Ritter von Kempelen de Pázmánd, who is perhaps better known for his work on speech synthesis.

While you may see other users talking about "him" in a personal manner, any appearance of sentience is, I assure you, entirely ineluctable.

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Freedom2 728 days ago
> ineluctable

Love to see this word used! Thank you once again HN for being a great place where I can smile every day.

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