This doesn't really bring down the barrier to entry, that much.

Before you can even think about using this, you need to have registered. So I think it mostly brings down the barrier for current members, not for random people to flood the site.

This doesn't make it easier to submit your first story - which is the key.

A double edged sword - creating methods of 'too easy' submission will most definitely lead (in my opinion) to a downgrading of quality. I've been on HN, not on this username, since the first link from Reddit when it was a few months old it's grown relatively slowly but has attracted a core of decent members who submit. However on the other hand it's necessary to improve quantity of submissions. I'm trying to stop going to Reddit & Digg altogether but it's hard when the update traffic is light years ahead.

You have to make a decision at some point - keep this place on the 'down low' with fewer submissions or break it up a bit.

IIRC, that bookmarklet has been around since I joined over 600 days ago.

Nice to have. But doesn't it fly contrary to the Hacker News ethos of maintaining a barrier to entry into the community?

Heck, I'd pay a $5 bozo-fee if it boosted the quality of submissions and discussion.

wouldn't you still need to register to post?

hjvh