6 ms·

For PDFs at least, scribd seems purely parasitic.

• zdw 14y ago
  I believe the intention of having the scribd links is to mirror the content if the original source goes down under the HN reader load, which has happened at times.
  • jfb 14y ago
    IME, HN readers will almost always post either a Google cache link or cache the original content. The scribd thing just slows everybody down.
  • alexatkeplar 14y ago
    Or, the intention of having Scribd links is to boost SEO for and awareness of Scribd, thus increasing the value of Y Combinator's equity stake.
    • regularfry 14y ago
      This is news.ycombinator.com. I don't begrudge that.
      • jfb 14y ago
        It wouldn't bug me if it didn't decrease the utility of the PDF links. EDIT: as pointed out below, it doesn't. Belay this comment.
        • corin_ 14y ago
          It doesn't. If you don't want to see Scribd then don't click on the "[Scribd]" - the rest of the title takes you straight to the PDF itself.
          • jfb 14y ago
            Well, blow me over. How did I miss that? Thanks.