So I wanted to know if there were some specific rules pertaining to "Show HN" threads? I love checking out new products and I'd like an easy way to pinpoint them out.
I've never seen any official rules or guidelines regarding "Show HN:" submissions, but there are differences in sorting between url-based submissions and text-based submissions. Since text-based submissions sink faster, I've seen some suggest using url-based submissions. On the other hand, with a text-submission, you can specifically ask for what you want (design help, content help, ...) and provide contact info.
From the following, it seems some changes may be afoot.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7761378 > We do intend to add a few things, such as a "show" link in the top bar for Show HNs
Also, I realise that I might have wrongly formulated my question. It didn't actually bother me that the "Show HN" prefix was removed from my post (I was on the front page).
It's just that it made me question if there were some guidelines I was not adhering to.
For example, instead of an email signup, Show HN is for the thing you email people about once it's ready; instead of a fundraiser, Show HN is for what you build with the funds you raise; and so on.
We're planning to feature Show HNs on the site a lot more, since most people agree they're one of the best things here.
That makes things a lot clearer. And it does make sense.
I personally appreciate people being upfront about it being promotional, StrongLoops latest "tutorials" have been a bit of a sinner in this regard. They usually provide great content but always mention their own services (which is fine in my opinion but it should be obvious from the get-go).
Edit: Perhaps the prefix is removed to remove any bias, perhaps people are inclined to be more positive towards user contributions - Perhaps by removing Show HN you let the product live on its own merit, rather than any type of emotional bias.