[crusso]

I set a goal several years back of getting into the top 100, then top 50

Why? Oh, why? I look at my own HN posting as a personal weakness that does nothing to advance my career, general happiness, or sense of personal development. The really successful people I've known in my life don't get caught up in tussling in Internet forums. They stay focused like a laser on goals that are much more recognizable as "success".

And that reminds me to close my browser and think about what I really want to accomplish today!

[petercooper]

Why? Oh, why?

Because, like Everest, it was there :-)

My time on HN has not been as negative as I infer yours has been though. It benefits me and I enjoy it. That back-handed airy-fairy malarky about what "really successful" people do sounds like a load of preachy cobblers to me though.

[mathattack]

I hate to admit it, but this is true. In a sense, I would be less likely to hire me if I saw too high a karma score. :-)

[wglb]

I had a significant career advancement as a result of my activity on HN. And I am sure that I am not alone.