From the FAQ: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranke

From the FAQ: > 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.