This will obviously depend upon what device you're using, but hold a book up in front of you at about the distance you would typically read it (this should be M

This will obviously depend upon what device you're using, but hold a book up in front of you at about the distance you would typically read it (this should be MUCH closer than your screen!). Now compare the size of the text (admittedly, this is tricky because of focus, but it's just about possible) - the font size in the example is pretty much exactly the same as in a typical book, for me at least. Designers have, for a long time, thought that 'small text is cool/looks better' but there has been a pushback on this by web designers over the past few years. Maybe even HN will one day update its styles for readability; at least a shorter line-length/larger leading would be a great start.