I think marketeers have already found out. Maybe I'm just being jaded and/or my interests have evolved, but seems like more and more techno-nonsense hits the front page in recent months than years ago.
I think it's getting better though, it seems like plenty of startups can artificially hit the front page a few times but once the voting ring filter's got all their employees and friends it is much harder.
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At some point, do all online networks become cases of machines competing with machines?