I make a practice of executing such a search before I submit a link.  Of course, for me it's a VERY occasional practice.  ;-)<p>Separately, would it be useful if HN had a sort presentation that listed posts/threads recently commented upon -- perhaps further weighted by post score -- as opposed to just recent comments (where the quantity combined with flatness of presentation quickly overwhelms me)?  Of course, one would have trouble finding the new comment within the old thread -- particularly active ones -- unless there was further utility added to locate it within the thread of conversation of such a post.  (If it was in response to a parent comment, it would not sort to the top.)<p>At which point, the current presentation paradigm for the site is starting to change significantly.  Representing both a lot of work for PG, and an open-ended question as to the effects upon the community dynamics.<p>So... perhaps we are better off with what we have.  If a page/topic is brought up again after after a significant period of time (more than a few days), it is handled as a new discussion.  With thoughtful people like Rider... perhaps citing older posts/threads for further reference.