You have to consider the number of users. HN now gets 60k unique visitors on weekdays. That's a decent sized stadium full of people. Of course they seem overwhelming collectively, but most individuals are only experts in a few areas.
If it makes you feel any better, my biggest worry about this site is the opposite: that the median awesomeness is decreasing as the number of users increases.
If you want to feel less overwhelmed, try reading the comments starting at the bottom of the page instead of the top.
If it makes you feel any better, my biggest worry about this site is the opposite: that the median awesomeness is decreasing as the number of users increases.
If you want to feel less overwhelmed, try reading the comments starting at the bottom of the page instead of the top.