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> I work with the startups to edit their launch texts into a form that HN is more likely to find interesting. Mostly this consists of cajoling, persuading, and
by bambax 5y ago
> I work with the startups to edit their launch texts into a form that HN is more likely to find interesting. Mostly this consists of cajoling, persuading, and (when that fails) forcing them not to sound like marketing, sales, or PR.
When I read a launch HN I'm always surprised how it's usually a very personal, specific, engaging story about the problem and how the team wanted to address it.
I thought founders were in general excellent writers; but in fact it's the editing! Really well done (no sarcasm: it's positively excellent).
- dang 5y agoWell thank you! Some commenters have been reporting that the blurbs are too long, and that they find the backstories annoying. My impression was always that HN tends to appreciate inside details and obscure aspects of the story or problem. Would be interested to hear your and others' take on that.
- bambax 5y agoSome people in this thread did complain about the fact that they find the formula somewhat predictable and that they are growing tired of it. I am strongly in the other camp. I really like those Launch HN and the backstory is what I like the most. Many times the description of the product is underwhelming (because we never ran into that specific problem ourselves), and then when one understands where the founders are coming from it's enlightening. We walk in their shoes. It makes the problem ours. Don't take away the backstory! ;-)
- OoTheNigerian 5y agoI think limiting the word count would help. Say 250 words. The format is ok, sometimes it seems a lot of unnecessary details are added. This encourages skimming through thereby making important aspects vulnerable to skipping. Again, with the reality that there will be more startups launching, limiting the word count will be helpful and make people read more launches.