See the FAQ (https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html), in particular: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algori

See the FAQ (https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html), in particular: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranked the same way. > Other factors affecting rank include user flags, anti-abuse software, software which demotes overheated discussions, account or site weighting, and moderator action." and > What does [flagged] mean? > Users flagged the post as breaking the guidelines or otherwise not belonging on HN. > Moderators sometimes also add [flagged] (though not usually on submissions), and sometimes turn flags off when they are unfair. You might also find the guidelines helpful in answering your questions. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html