It depends on the type of community. Reddit positions itself as a platform infrastructure for a rich diversity of communities. HN has a relatively narrow approa

It depends on the type of community. Reddit positions itself as a platform infrastructure for a rich diversity of communities. HN has a relatively narrow approach, trying to keep discussions as focused and as on topic as possible. It is more or less a traditional forum, only that the rules are relatively clear and moderators (i.e. PG) don't overplay their authority.