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I remember when I first registered on YC news there were way less direct(no external url) submissions. Or so it seemed. This should be due to the nearing deadline for YC applications. It is vitally important to get as much positive attention from pg as possible; in fact it serves as one of YC news' main functions. But people should not try to be visible just for the sake of it. Sometimes the extra submission may just be the one that irritates YC.
Don't get me wrong, the majority of these submissions are great, interesting and fun to read. Although occasionally you see one of those and you can't help but wonder. What I am trying to say is that people should be sincere about everything they do, and if there is nothing good to say then just listen and learn. I believe that you will get treated by the Universe the same way you approach it.
But of course the real point of this submission is an attempt to show YC some criticism and analysis skills.