Hacker News Guidelines (news.ycombinator.com)

Article summary

The article outlines the guidelines for posting on Hacker News, including what types of topics are on- and off-topic, how to submit posts and comments, and how to engage with others on the site. The guidelines emphasize being kind, curious, and respectful in interactions, and avoiding behaviors like self-promotion, snarkiness, and fulminating. The goal of the guidelines is to create a community that values intellectual curiosity and thoughtful discussion. By following these guidelines, users can help create a positive and productive environment on the site.

Main themes

• Community guidelines
• Moderation and transparency
• Inclusivity and accommodations
• Off-topic submissions
• User behavior and etiquette
• Communication and feedback

What commenters say

• The guidelines are helpful in creating a positive community, but some users feel that they can be too vague or open to interpretation.
• Providing clear explanations for why a post or comment was removed or flagged can help users understand what they did wrong and improve their behavior.
• Some users believe that the moderators should be more transparent and communicative in their decision-making process.
• The community should strive to be more inclusive and accommodating of users with disabilities or cultural differences.
• A firmer hand is needed to eliminate off-topic submissions, particularly those related to politics.
• The current moderation approach is sufficient and effective in maintaining the quality of discussions on the site.
• Users should be able to research and understand the guidelines on their own, without needing explicit explanations or accommodations.
• Clear expectations and explanations can help users who are acting in good faith but may not fully understand the tone or norms of the community.