What you describe as 'being HN smart' sounds like what would be described as karma whoring on Slashdot or Reddit. And I think it's looked down on for a reason.

What you describe as 'being HN smart' sounds like what would be described as karma whoring on Slashdot or Reddit. And I think it's looked down on for a reason. The things that will get people to upvote you are not always the things that will look good on your resume. Often they break down after further scrutiny, and if someone is actually looking over your comments carefully (though who really has that much time on their hands.) Just try not to be an ass, and if you don't think it meets HN standards, don't say it. I'd also say don't bother praising YC startups and the regular luminaries of the community - everyone else can do that easily enough on their own. But then I'm new here.