[ruswick]

This algorithm seems incredibly arbitrary and fails to account for the complexity of diction or sophistication of content of the post. (Obviously, this is incredibly difficult and computationally-intensive, and is likely untenable for a simple Chrome app, but applying such a narrow and draconian algorithm that reduces such complex facets of pedagogy and language into a calculus comprised only of sentence size and syllabic length does not help in weeding HN of poor-quality content.)

Moreover, I'm not sure as to why I would want to rid HN of "8th Grade Content" in the first place. I'm fine with terse sentences and pedestrian word choice so long as the actual content of the post is of value to the conversation.

[ruswick]

Moreover, due to algorithmic simplicity, the results are simply wrong.

Almost assuredly, the preceding sentence could be comprehended by individuals with less education than a year of college education, yet most eighth graders would not be able to comprehend statements like "The impetus for men to exalt banal works of prose is arcane."

[youngerdryas]

Indeed, brevity is the soul of wit.

[harlanlewis]

I'm sorry, but this assemblage is aspiring to a sophisticated strata of dialogue. Kindly elevate your contribution beyond the 2nd grade level. (http://sarahktyler.com/code/sample.php)

...alright, even my tongue-in-cheek comment only hit the the 7th grade. Methinks the true goal of "a Chrome extension which hides all HackerNews comments that are below an 8th grade reading level" is to get everyone off the comments and back to work.