Any reason from "just for shits and giggles" to "getting credibility in a community" (like HN). I run a url shortener - it costs me time and money that I will

Any reason from "just for shits and giggles" to "getting credibility in a community" (like HN). I run a url shortener - it costs me time and money that I will never get back directly. Hopefully it gives me some credibility in the community but other than that it is just a fun side project.