Hacker Smacker - Friend and foe writers on Hacker News
Hacker News
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hacker Smacker is a browser extension designed to enhance the experience on Hacker News by allowing users to identify quality authors and filter out unwanted commenters. The tool displays three small orbs next to each author's name, enabling users to mark them as friends or foes. If both parties use the extension, users can see their friends' and foes' relationships, making it easier to navigate lengthy comment threads and focus on valuable discussions. Inspired by Slashdot’s friend/foe system, Hacker Smacker aims to streamline content consumption by highlighting relevant contributions.
The tool operates through a client-server architecture. The client injects into Hacker News to gather data on user interactions, while the server, built with Node.js and Redis, manages relationships and stores friend/foe information. This backend infrastructure powers the "friend of a friend" feature, which leverages social networks to surface high-quality content. The project was initially developed to improve NewsBlur, a visual RSS feed reader, demonstrating its broader applicability to other platforms.
Hacker Smacker’s development highlights the importance of efficient data management and user-centric design in tech. By adopting similar systems used in social media, it bridges the gap between content curation and community interaction. The tool’s open-source nature encourages innovation and customization, allowing users to adapt it for their needs without relying on a centralized service.
For tech enthusiasts, Hacker Smacker exemplifies how small, focused solutions can address significant pain points. Its implementation of FOAF (Friend of a Friend) principles shows the potential for integrating social networks into news platforms, enhancing content discovery through trusted communities. The project’s modular design and reliance on lightweight technologies like Redis and Node.js make it an ideal foundation for future developments in content filtering and user engagement.
Ultimately, Hacker Smacker is more than just a comment filter; it’s a step toward redefining how users interact with online discussions. By emphasizing quality over quantity, it aligns with the broader goal of creating meaningful, efficient digital experiences—a key concern for anyone navigating today’s fast-paced tech landscape.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/24/2026