4 years? I would suggest being more involved in articles...

I prefer only to comment when I have something useful to add, which given my non-programmer background isn't always that often.

If an article on HN was interesting enough for you to click on it, I would bet that you have a comment that would contribute to the story.

Your non-programmer background is most likely an asset on HN, simply because you can offer a point of view that most others here can't.