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Still, why not link to a page offset and just show what is current? Or include it with the current linking and automatically redirect? Pretty basic ux optimization.

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Because the functions which generate pages get garbage collected. Once the function is gone, there is no reference point.

I suspect hindering spam and vote manipulation plays a part in the architectural decisions. It also makes it possible to create different HN's for different users - e.g. the hellbanned, royals, and plebeians.

I know about hellbanned, but what are the royals and the plebians?

Theoretical particles required by my unified theory of HN.

Interested. Link?

Royals and plebeians might be a little strong. YC folks have a slightly different interface. I think the main differences are that YC usernames show up in orange and there is a link along the top that displays the most recent submissions from YC folks/alumni.

"Royals" came to mind from FlameWarriors - though maybe my predispostion to think of PG as the Philosopher King of HN played a role. Anyway, "Plebians" was just pushing the political analogy a little further. I'll take your word about the differences in interface. I really was just conjecturing.

http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/royals.htm

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