Title: My name, at the time of posting, is orange.  It's kind of nice to be recognized for being upvoted on average, even if I don't make a huge number of comments and will never be on the leaderboard.<p>However, it just feels wrong.  I've been unconsciously working on getting a high average for a while, and this will only encourage my unproductive behavior.  I sometimes refrain from posting when I know my comment won’t be read or won’t be upvoted.<p>In the spirit of pointing out the full effects of this change, I will now offer a simple list of guidelines so that you too can get your name in orange and feel like a real man/woman/entrepreneur.<p>As for me, I’m with tptacek—opt me out of a colored name.<p>1. Only post in threads that are on the front page or look sure to get on the front page. If no one will see your comment, no one will upvote you.<p>2. Don’t post on a front page post that already has more than a full page of text.  Your comment will appear at the bottom and no one will scroll all the way down there. You’re just yelling into the void.<p>3. When possible, reply to a highly rated comment that doesn’t already have replies. Particularly focus on getting your comment to appear "above the fold" when it is posted. This will ensure that your comment is read and enjoyed.<p>4. Don't post against the prevailing mood of a post.  If the mood of that article is pro-libertarian, beware critiquing that philosophy!  On the other hand, when the population is more balanced in that individual thread, feel free. In general someone who agrees is more likely to upvote than someone who disagrees, so you should get be ahead on balance.<p>5. As soon as you make a comment, upvote the article and all of the parents to your comment.  This will put your article closer to the public eye. If you want to truly join the dark side, vote down the other comments on the thread or other replies.  I’ve never done this, but it’s an option.<p>6. Say something interesting.  Without this, you’ve got nothing!<p>7. If you’re trying to be funny or sarcastic, make it incredibly obvious.  If it’s not incredibly obvious what you’re trying to say, don’t bother posting.<p>8. Don't get involved in a long discussion! This will only end with a bunch of 1 point posts that drag your average down.<p>Let me say in closing that HN is one of the best discussions on the net and I’ve been privileged to be here with you all. pg, thanks for all the work you put in.<p>Still, we should be realistic about the behavior that we are promoting. Goodnight and good luck!
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