I analyzed the algorithm in detail in 2013 and found multiple unexpected factors. For example, titles containing "NSA" were penalized (which is apparently no lo

I analyzed the algorithm in detail in 2013 and found multiple unexpected factors. For example, titles containing "NSA" were penalized (which is apparently no longer the case). Certain sources are penalized. Postings with more comments than upvotes are penalized by the "flame war detector". Flagging and voting ring detection also apply penalties. About 20% of front-page articles had one sort of penalty or another. http://www.righto.com/2013/11/how-hacker-news-ranking-really-works.html http://www.righto.com/2013/11/how-hacker-news-ranking-really...