From the FAQ: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranke

From the FAQ: > How are stories ranked? > The basic algorithm divides points by a power of the time since a story was submitted. Comments in threads are ranked the same way. > Other factors affecting rank include user flags, anti-abuse software, software which demotes overheated discussions, account or site weighting, and moderator action. So if a story gets points very quickly, it will appear on the front page. If it don't keep getting points it will disappear.