3 ms·

HN is actually very technology optimistic. People really think that tech can be used for good, and part of the ethos is that we should try to improve the world

HN is actually very technology optimistic. People really think that tech can be used for good, and part of the ethos is that we should try to improve the world using tech. The result is that HN as a whole is quite judgemental about whether people are doing that. People here will regularly tell you that AirBnB rides on externalities, Amazon treats everyone badly, and FB is destroying democracy. Basically, HN tries to hold the world accountable to the optimistic promise of technology, and to do so we have to point out some things that aren't working well. Crypto is no different. There's some interesting stuff in there for sure, especially if you just look at the tech. But in terms of making the world a better place, it gets held to a standard just like all the tech giant firms. At the moment there's a lot of minuses on the board and we've yet to see the positives that justify the optimism.

thinkingemote 5y ago
I've favourited this comment so I can be reminded of how both tech utopian and cynicalism are entwined. Thanks!
notacoward 5y ago
Are the optimism and the desire for accountability simultaneous, or sequential? I think it's more of a sequential Gartner Hype Cycle thing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle As others have pointed out, the HN zeitgeist regarding crypto has changed significantly over time. Several years ago folks here were clearly at the "peak of inflated expectations" phase. Currently we're in the "trough of disillusionment" phase. The question is whether crypto will follow the rest of the curve or - as often happens but Gartner fails to note - just fall into the abyss. However, even according to the most optimistic reading, Twitter Guy is clearly several years slow on the uptake.
- lordnacho 5y ago
  Not sure I'm a fan of the hype cycle, it's pretty vague. I think the thing to remember is that tech people see through all the hype before everyone else. People who are close to a tech will be able to tell you the endgame before someone who doesn't, because they understand the constraints of the system. Being on HN is a bit like time traveling, you can ride on everyone who has zoomed forward into the future.

thinkingemote 5y ago

I've favourited this comment so I can be reminded of how both tech utopian and cynicalism are entwined. Thanks!

notacoward 5y ago

Are the optimism and the desire for accountability simultaneous, or sequential? I think it's more of a sequential Gartner Hype Cycle thing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle As others have pointed out, the HN zeitgeist regarding crypto has changed significantly over time. Several years ago folks here were clearly at the "peak of inflated expectations" phase. Currently we're in the "trough of disillusionment" phase. The question is whether crypto will follow the rest of the curve or - as often happens but Gartner fails to note - just fall into the abyss. However, even according to the most optimistic reading, Twitter Guy is clearly several years slow on the uptake.

lordnacho 5y ago
Not sure I'm a fan of the hype cycle, it's pretty vague. I think the thing to remember is that tech people see through all the hype before everyone else. People who are close to a tech will be able to tell you the endgame before someone who doesn't, because they understand the constraints of the system. Being on HN is a bit like time traveling, you can ride on everyone who has zoomed forward into the future.