> You're assuming that people who aren't getting notified of their replies are thinking about what they're going to say on the topic
No, i'm not assuming this.
For example one difference is that situation #1 is a surprise (you get a notification while you were in the middle of something else) and situation #2 is not (it's anticipated, you decide to check the HN website and decide to check for replies to your comments).
Situation #1 generates a startle reflex in some manner, whereas the anticipated visit #2 does not.
No, i'm not assuming this.
For example one difference is that situation #1 is a surprise (you get a notification while you were in the middle of something else) and situation #2 is not (it's anticipated, you decide to check the HN website and decide to check for replies to your comments).
Situation #1 generates a startle reflex in some manner, whereas the anticipated visit #2 does not.