Question: In the future, should I attempt to summarize the article or use the exact title from the post (which I think is another HN rule?)
Because I agree that the title was terrible but I've been scolded in the past for changing titles.
Because I agree that the title was terrible but I've been scolded in the past for changing titles.
So yes, please do change misleading or linkbait titles to make them not be misleading or linkbait.
When changing a title, it's better to find accurate, neutral language in the article itself than to make up something new. We usually look at subtitles, introductory sentences, or (if necessary) the body of the text. Occasionally we don't find anything suitable for a title and have to make one up, but that's rare.