My observation is that exposure is more a function of thoughtful content and dumb luck than timing. If there's an interesting question waiting in the wings, my advice would be to just ask it.
If I were doing this, I'd do it at the best time for me.
After some sleep, my goal is ready, for example testing a product, and when similar-type things get upvoted.
This depends a lot on niche, I think.
For Ask though, I always visit it when also visiting the homepage, as a lot of interesting questions get posted. Perhaps for Show an optimal time is more critical?
Piggybacking off of this, post an intriguing question and it will get a lot attention no matter the time. Often posts last for upwards of 6-8 hours assuming they're popular threads, there's a reason other's die off in 20 minutes.
This is very much more about writing a good hook. For example, I asked about small shops, but didn't use the right language it seems. It was ignored: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10314142
I have gotten articles onto the front page. My experience with that suggests it has little or nothing to do with when you post. It is mostly about posting something good.
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[ 3.9 ms ] story [ 29.6 ms ] threadAfter some sleep, my goal is ready, for example testing a product, and when similar-type things get upvoted.
This depends a lot on niche, I think.
For Ask though, I always visit it when also visiting the homepage, as a lot of interesting questions get posted. Perhaps for Show an optimal time is more critical?
Its and old article though... https://wiredcraft.com/blog/how-to-post-on-hacker-news/
In contrast, this got 390 upvotes and made the front page: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12065355
I have gotten articles onto the front page. My experience with that suggests it has little or nothing to do with when you post. It is mostly about posting something good.