The way I've usually seen it states is that 10% of your users will comment, and 10% of that 10% will start new threads/posts.

Easier to just say 10% comment, 1% posts.

That describes my usage pretty well. Dang, no comments from me on the next 9 articles.

Can't comment on 9 in an hour anyways. You get rate-limited on HN. :)

I'm not the one that you responded to, but I had no idea that HN had rate-limiting -- shows how little I comment or post!

Yeah, I lurk and comment on here far too much.

why should I comment when everyone just downvotes me.

People don't downvote for no reason, especially not on HN.

The 1% rule:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25_rule?wprov=sfla1