I think it's an interesting idea, but imho it's in rather poor taste to use the "Hacker News" branding without knowing if PG approves. Whether or not the site

I think it's an interesting idea, but imho it's in rather poor taste to use the "Hacker News" branding without knowing if PG approves. Whether or not the site is for profit is entirely irrelevant; it comes off as you trying to cash in on the work that PG et al have put into building up the HN brand. It's tantamount to stealing. Not only that, but it might cause confusion. I wish you good luck, but I hope you'll change the name or at least put up a disclaimer in an obvious place noting that you are not affiliated with Hacker News.