I assume his idea is "hey hackernews do you like my startup please sign up to try it out" and then (edit: after signing up) the login page will have a "server e

I assume his idea is "hey hackernews do you like my startup please sign up to try it out" and then (edit: after signing up) the login page will have a "server error" when you try to view the idea and that way he doesn't have to build a product and won't attract suspicion. "oh sorry you hammered my server, it'll be back later today".