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Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

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Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#51

Post by mindcrime »

mFixman wrote: post #30
warning26 wrote: post #2

Honestly I’m glad it doesn’t. Reply notifications may increase engagement, but I’d argue they reduce the quality of discussion, since such notifications would encourage rapid back and forth arguments.

The problem is that old discussions become effectively invisible. If I reply to a post or comment that's over several days old there's almost no chance the author will ever see it.

If I reply to a post or comment that's over several days old there's almost no chance the author will ever see it.

That is a Good Thing.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#53

Post by davidivadavid »

PaulDavisThe1st wrote: post #45
sgc wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I used to do that, but you can just click "threads".

How does that differ from the "Comments" link in the user profile page?

It's 1 click vs. 2 clicks away.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#55

Post by masklinn »

wodenokoto wrote: post #18
warning26 wrote: post #2

Honestly I’m glad it doesn’t. Reply notifications may increase engagement, but I’d argue they reduce the quality of discussion, since such notifications would encourage rapid back and forth arguments.

I believe this is also the official reason

It mostly does the opposite because it means getting replies quickly tapers off. After a few days the odds of keeping up a discussion are low, and older discussions are baiscally locked out forever.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#56

Post by masklinn »

lolinder wrote: post #14
civilized wrote: post #4

I love that they don't change anything. Social media services like Reddit that change things eventually change into shit.

They don't change nothing, but they're very careful when they introduce a change. Most are so subtle you wouldn't notice, and that's the point. Some in recent memory I can think of: * prev/next/parent links * Show HN can now have both a text body and a link (they used to only have a link and you had to submit a reply with your explanation)

> Most are so subtle you wouldn't notice

I certainly notice every time I fat finger these useless links.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#57

Post by jb1991 »

tptacek wrote: post #52
jb1991 wrote: post #5

there's this: https://www.hnreplies.com I understand it is built by an HN moderator, actually, so somewhat endorsed.

I believe Dan Gackle is the only public HN moderator, and that this isn't really endorsed.

and I believe that Dan created the site in question, which is sorta an endorsement of sorts:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27555072

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#58

Post by tptacek »

jb1991 wrote: post #57
tptacek wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I believe Dan Gackle is the only public HN moderator, and that this isn't really endorsed.

and I believe that Dan created the site in question, which is sorta an endorsement of sorts: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27555072

Different Dan.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#59

Post by ballenf »

ravenstine wrote: post #7

If I see my karma go up, that usually tells me that someone may have replied to something I said. Otherwise, I'm glad there's no alert for new replies. Conversation should be intentional. If I'm gonna be reading what someone said in response to me, I better already have enough motivation to check back and see if someone replied. When I don't check back, it's probably because I've got something more important to focus…

I use a custom style sheet to hide my karma score (except on user profile page where I can go if I'm super curious). It's broke an unhealthy cycle I would subconsciously try to craft the perfect reply and get an addiction-inducing high from some big karma boost. Or big productivity-killing negative response.

Re: Ask HN: Why doesn't HN alert users in some manner to new replies?

#60

Post by OJFord »

tptacek wrote: post #52
jb1991 wrote: post #5

there's this: https://www.hnreplies.com I understand it is built by an HN moderator, actually, so somewhat endorsed.

I believe Dan Gackle is the only public HN moderator, and that this isn't really endorsed.

And Scott 'sctb' Bell. Don't think he comments as much though (at least, that I notice/in threads I read). (Oh or actually.. not active since 2019? Maybe you're right.)
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