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I don't think it's necessarily imaginary that we are friends. Consider that a functional community is characterized by an overarching sense of cooperation and m

I don't think it's necessarily imaginary that we are friends. Consider that a functional community is characterized by an overarching sense of cooperation and mutual support that is NOT tied to an individual's identity. HN provides succor to those who look at the world in a certain way, with a combination of probing curiosity, healthy skepticism, and intellectual humility. It's true that there are some elements of history that might remove you from that sphere. But identity? There is no identity that would remove you. As for getting "real" friends, that's rather tough for two reasons. Real friends are in constant, casual contact. This means proximity. Tough to do in general, and impossible in Covid times. Second, those three qualities are very rare. The only reason it seems like they are common is because the internet was created by and for us, and so it seems like we're everywhere. We're not. So, yes, if you ever want to talk, my contact info is in my profile.

iamthirsty 6y ago
> HN provides succor to those who look at the world in a certain way, with a combination of probing curiosity, healthy skepticism, and intellectual humility. I truly feel this is glue that binds most (if not all) HN regulars together.
- DiggyJohnson 6y ago
  I like to think we are one of the few examples on the web of a community that (1) self-regulates (somewhat) and (2) understands that the platform itself ought not to be taken for granted. Bad faith discourse kills places like this. While I'm sure many would claim that HN experiences backsliding, it's nowhere near as bad as one might expect. Especially considering that there might actually be a financial incentive to "get into" HN and its content. Very rambly, but that's how it goes. Cheers, friend.
  - iamthirsty 6y ago
    Regarding the bad faith actors, HN largely (to my knowledge) self regulates; users can usually smell a promotional-type post &/or comment right away. It's something that keeps me coming back daily compared to other forums that seem to either ignore or prefer this type of content. Cheers.
    - bonoboTP 6y ago
      HN is very well moderated through human effort and they consciously resist updating the site design which is good. The barebones appearance naturally repels people with different interests or temperament.

iamthirsty 6y ago

> HN provides succor to those who look at the world in a certain way, with a combination of probing curiosity, healthy skepticism, and intellectual humility. I truly feel this is glue that binds most (if not all) HN regulars together.

DiggyJohnson 6y ago
I like to think we are one of the few examples on the web of a community that (1) self-regulates (somewhat) and (2) understands that the platform itself ought not to be taken for granted. Bad faith discourse kills places like this. While I'm sure many would claim that HN experiences backsliding, it's nowhere near as bad as one might expect. Especially considering that there might actually be a financial incentive to "get into" HN and its content. Very rambly, but that's how it goes. Cheers, friend.
- iamthirsty 6y ago
  Regarding the bad faith actors, HN largely (to my knowledge) self regulates; users can usually smell a promotional-type post &/or comment right away. It's something that keeps me coming back daily compared to other forums that seem to either ignore or prefer this type of content. Cheers.
  - bonoboTP 6y ago
    HN is very well moderated through human effort and they consciously resist updating the site design which is good. The barebones appearance naturally repels people with different interests or temperament.