Interesting. And similar to what I discovered. I graphed my two most recent experiences being on the front page of HN: http://shkspr.mobi/blog/2012/11/whats-the-front-page-of-hack...

While is is fun to see 30K visitors in a day, it's daunting and can play merry hell with your hosting bill if you're not careful.

Still, probably better than languishing in obscurity!