Would you consider making Show HN posts text only? That way the submitter provides background info / context, why they made the service, what they hope to do with it, etc. I think requiring text-only for Show HN will help minimize people spamming their own links and more about people contributing the experience building their Show HN item.
Thoughts?
Experience has taught us that it's healthier when HN stories point to things in the outside world. That's why posts without URLs are penalized.
The kind of discussion you describe is good, but it can and does take place in the threads right now.
Fair enough! As long as you keep up the moderation we should be good, hehe.
I'm kind of hoping that you all can take over at some point. :)