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Comment by garciasn | Hacker News Reader

I’ve struggled with this HN posting guideline:

“Otherwise please use the original title, unless it is misleading or linkbait; don't editorialize.”

I mean, I can’t make the determination that it’s linkbait. Is it really the hottest car company? I already know I cannot buy in the US.

Probably just easier to leave it as is, IMO.

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The title is withholding key information while making a vague superlative claim, amongst other common clickbait techniques like talking in second person. IMO this title isn't good as-is, even just replacing `It's` with `BYD is` would be a huge improvement.

I think the GP's issue is more with CNN's title than yours. You did well to follow the guideline, but I personally agree that mentioning BYD in the title would improve it, as the CNN title is very clickbaity.

Unless I'm missing something, rvnx was the one who submitted this post. Not garciasn.

garciasn was just mentioning how they've struggled with the guideline themselves, since it does get subjective.

Ahh, thanks, I didn't notice.

The biggest click bait is the “It” which can clearly be seamlessly replaced with BYD, providing vastly increased utility at basically no increased complexity; no hard value determination needed. Intentionally removing useful information in an attempt to abuse the curiosity of readers and drive numbers is a type of enshittification in the news and information sphere.

Thanks for being so thoughtful about this. I think you made the right decision, although I can see how others might feel otherwise since the guideline is so subjective.

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