Where is 'this.' coming from? Coding syntax?

I just don't get it. I've seen it in HN comments for a few days now, but I fail to understand how 'this.' relates any new information. Reply indenting already tells me you are referring to an antecedent post. (A specific post in fact.)

Am I missing something, or is this just a new web fad I'm not savvy too? (Second option is not entirely unlikely...)

It's just for added emphasis. It's the contraction of roughly "this is the correct answer".

Thanks for enlightening me =)

This is the new +1

It is popular on sites like reddit. It basically means "I agree".

if you're interested in ssh-like functionality and http, I just wired browserid into my shell server for in-browser logins: http://benctechnicalblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/browserid-in-b...