I'd also like to add a fourth dimension to the problem, and that is.

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Distributed attention

Attention is like wealth, in that the distribution of it is unfair. Some people get lots of attention while others get none. When someone has a lot of attention, they are said to be famous. We've come to equate "getting attention" with "being famous" but it need not be this way. We can receive the love and attention of one or two close friends and that is quite as good as being famous. Indeed, it might be better. We're all for decentralization and distribution here, but HN is really horrible when it comes to the centralization of attention. 99% of posts fall flat on their faces, and only a few get attention. We need to learn to redistribute attention so that everyone gets their fair share.