There was a discussion a few weeks ago on whether Guttenberg was end of WordPress or a new start that prompted Matt Mullenweg to comment on a few threads. Most

There was a discussion a few weeks ago on whether Guttenberg was end of WordPress or a new start that prompted Matt Mullenweg to comment on a few threads. Most HN people to their credit do seem to state if they are employed there but it would be difficult to differentiate between a fan and an astroturfer. Probably more difficult to moderate would be employees or PR downvoting a critical comment rather than actually replying. I believe there is an algorithm that picks up on crowd voting/downvoting.