I suggest this as a mandatory-for-all sitewide test, as otherwise the compulsion to see integer counts (such as karma) will fork HN into two distinct communities operating within the same shared space. I believe that this experiment is valuable only if everyone participates, and since the data will remain present on the back end, no harm is done to anyone's preferred integers of choice while the experiment is underway.

I believe this would be a good experiment for HN as I worry that HN is unintentionally causing addictive feedback loops with its pervasive use of counts. Counts are already today hidden in scenarios where the admins seem to have determined that people behave more appropriately when they are unable to see a precise integer ranking of other's approval. I'd like to give the HN community a chance to experience the value of HN without the pressure of integer-ranking altogether.

The voting algorithms need not be modified for this experiment, as we already are able to flag comments and posts effectively without being able to see how many flags are present. The front-page links that say whether comments are present or not would simply be replaced with the word 'discuss' to remove the pressure to 'be seen' participating in posts, permitting one's interest in the post and/or topic to become the sole determining factor for participation.

I hope that HN is willing to entertain and implement this experiment and am curious to hear how the community feels about the idea.