In each and every platforms that you ventured, I strongly believe that the target must be to gain more visibility and wants to make more conversion if possible isn’t? Similar to Hacker News where the backbone of this platform is base on upvoting and downvoting system with one key difference. In order to downvote submissions or posts, users need to accumulated 501 karma and if they want to flag comments, they have to accumulated 30 karma. It shows that karma system on Hacker News is important.To get more karma on Hacker News, you need to actively engaging with other users in new and popular stories to get your comments reach there. This will increase the chances for your comments to get upvotes and gain karma. Before that, when commenting try to be honest and give comments that is benefited to others. As I said before, more people agreeing to what you commented on will more likely to check your other submissions and gives upvotes.Next, content and title are very important to attract the interest of others toward your post. If you can line of topic something from the recent trend that promotes idea generation, promote discussions and present yourself as a valuable resources within the community. Don’t be too political or just stick to one point of perspective that can lead to people feel bored for your post. Besides that, do not be too emotional and depict other in your writing as it reflects your upvotes.All the Best.