I wouldn't try to focus too much on the alchemy that makes some posts turn into gold while others remain lead. I will say that I often click on the submitter's

I wouldn't try to focus too much on the alchemy that makes some posts turn into gold while others remain lead. I will say that I often click on the submitter's profile and if I see very low karma, or karma only related to their own submissions, then it makes me think that they're only on HN to promote themselves. Giving back (in the form of comments, feedback, etc) is an important part of what makes this community great.