In many ways the submission process is the way to check. However there is the one extra step of inserting a title and possibly tweaking it. I suggest you paste

In many ways the submission process is the way to check. However there is the one extra step of inserting a title and possibly tweaking it. I suggest you paste the URL with random text as a title. If it shows up as a unique new submission then update the title immediately with the original. If further tweaking to the title is in order then follow-up again. But yeah, its a pain when it happens but its not very high up on my list of grievances. Given the choice of eliminating problems on this side it would be getting people to put "Ask HN: " in front of questions.