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I would guess it's actually that HN has members who aren't from the major tech metros, and people outside of those areas tend to be more conservative (in a rela

I would guess it's actually that HN has members who aren't from the major tech metros, and people outside of those areas tend to be more conservative (in a relative sense at the very least). For many, this would be the main place they ever come across those people, which would make it seem unusually conservative.

Steltek 6y ago
As a theory, Y Combinator, thus HN, is strongly aligned with startups which, in less hip circles, are "small businesses". Small business tends conservative because regulation disproportionately impacts them (eg. regulatory capture). It would certainly be nicer if more regulation created a level playing field and actually prevented anti-competitive practices. To counter balance the above blatant and unfair stereotyping above, I'll add some devil's advocate too: "change the world" type leaders might also be more idealistic and would vote progressive anyway, even if it's not good business sense.
- tremon 6y ago
  small business tends conservative because regulation disproportionately impacts them That doesn't make sense. If someone feels unduly burdened by the status quo, why would they vote to preserve it?
  - war1025 6y ago
    In US Politics, "conservative" often means someone who believes in small government and less regulation. Regulations tend to take a lot of money to comply with, making it difficult for small businesses to compete with larger ones. So it is in small business owners' interests to support candidates that claim to be in favor of removing regulatory restrictions. Which tends to be a Republican talking point (whether or not they actually do anything to advance the cause once elected)
- 9HZZRfNlpR 6y ago
  There are people here all over the world. In large parts of Europe liberals prefer low taxes and small state to conservatives who want to give their old voters all sort of gifts and benefits. Probably the American idea of a libertarian is more suited.

Steltek 6y ago

As a theory, Y Combinator, thus HN, is strongly aligned with startups which, in less hip circles, are "small businesses". Small business tends conservative because regulation disproportionately impacts them (eg. regulatory capture). It would certainly be nicer if more regulation created a level playing field and actually prevented anti-competitive practices. To counter balance the above blatant and unfair stereotyping above, I'll add some devil's advocate too: "change the world" type leaders might also be more idealistic and would vote progressive anyway, even if it's not good business sense.

tremon 6y ago
small business tends conservative because regulation disproportionately impacts them That doesn't make sense. If someone feels unduly burdened by the status quo, why would they vote to preserve it?
- war1025 6y ago
  In US Politics, "conservative" often means someone who believes in small government and less regulation. Regulations tend to take a lot of money to comply with, making it difficult for small businesses to compete with larger ones. So it is in small business owners' interests to support candidates that claim to be in favor of removing regulatory restrictions. Which tends to be a Republican talking point (whether or not they actually do anything to advance the cause once elected)
9HZZRfNlpR 6y ago
There are people here all over the world. In large parts of Europe liberals prefer low taxes and small state to conservatives who want to give their old voters all sort of gifts and benefits. Probably the American idea of a libertarian is more suited.