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I believe there is a small but persistent contingent who would very much like HN to care about cryptocurrency, because HN is very influential among developers a

by flooow 4y ago

I believe there is a small but persistent contingent who would very much like HN to care about cryptocurrency, because HN is very influential among developers and would lend them much-needed credibility. They may or may not be co-ordinating but I don't think that would be necessary to get this onto the front page. What I have noticed is, when crypto has one of its periodic disasters (e.g. collapse of FTX) the comments are generally highly sceptical of the technology, in keeping with the general tone of HN. But occasionally 'good news' articles like this one get boosted and then the top comments are of notably different tone. For example, comments praising Vitalik, a presumed billionaire with unknown motives, dubious achievements and a unspeakably enormous environmental toll against his name, would be very unusual in any other thread.

pcthrowaway 4y ago
I'm one of the HN users who upvotes (some) cryptocurrency-related topics. I work in the industry, and enjoy reading about technical things that I find interesting. I upvote many other topics, and crypto-related submissions are definitely a minority. But I upvote what I find interesting, much like you or any other user would upvote what you find interesting. Obviously, there are many people on HN who don't find crypto-related topics interesting (or who only enjoy submissions about crypto-related businesses and projects blowing up, of which there is no shortage). I don't think there is a conspiracy here; if anything, I think you underestimate the number of developers who are primarily interested in the technical aspects of blockchain tech. Also, the things Vitalik posts about are often interesting even to people who generally dislike or aren't interested in cryptocurrency.
fergie 4y ago
Yes, that is also my impression. Interesting to note that your entirely reasonable comment is currently downvoted to grey.

by flooow 4y ago

pcthrowaway 4y ago

I'm one of the HN users who upvotes (some) cryptocurrency-related topics. I work in the industry, and enjoy reading about technical things that I find interesting. I upvote many other topics, and crypto-related submissions are definitely a minority. But I upvote what I find interesting, much like you or any other user would upvote what you find interesting. Obviously, there are many people on HN who don't find crypto-related topics interesting (or who only enjoy submissions about crypto-related businesses and projects blowing up, of which there is no shortage). I don't think there is a conspiracy here; if anything, I think you underestimate the number of developers who are primarily interested in the technical aspects of blockchain tech. Also, the things Vitalik posts about are often interesting even to people who generally dislike or aren't interested in cryptocurrency.

fergie 4y ago

Yes, that is also my impression. Interesting to note that your entirely reasonable comment is currently downvoted to grey.