Yes, sorry! This is the problem - we don't want to block legit users, but if we loosen the bolts, we get flooded.

If you browse HN while logged in, that should immunize you against this happening. Also, if it does happen again, you can unban your IP as described at https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html. But you have to do that from a different IP address, of course.

If those things don't work, email hn@ycombinator.com and we'll get it sorted.