This is very much more about writing a good hook. For example, I asked about small shops, but didn't use the right language it seems. It was ignored: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10314142

In contrast, this got 390 upvotes and made the front page: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12065355

I have gotten articles onto the front page. My experience with that suggests it has little or nothing to do with when you post. It is mostly about posting something good.

My observation is that exposure is more a function of thoughtful content and dumb luck than timing. If there's an interesting question waiting in the wings, my advice would be to just ask it.

I don't think it's about when, it's about what you ask. This is based off instinct; I don't have data to back it up. The Ask HN page is small.

Piggybacking off of this, post an intriguing question and it will get a lot attention no matter the time. Often posts last for upwards of 6-8 hours assuming they're popular threads, there's a reason other's die off in 20 minutes.

If I were doing this, I'd do it at the best time for me.

After some sleep, my goal is ready, for example testing a product, and when similar-type things get upvoted.

This depends a lot on niche, I think.

For Ask though, I always visit it when also visiting the homepage, as a lot of interesting questions get posted. Perhaps for Show an optimal time is more critical?

My good friend google told me that 12PM UTC on Wednesday is the best time to post.

Its and old article though... https://wiredcraft.com/blog/how-to-post-on-hacker-news/

It is a popular topic here: https://hn.algolia.com/?query=best%20time%20to%20post&sort=b...

Not now it seems.