A killer in what way? More popular? Better community? Actually make money?
Depending on how you do the accounting, I imagine HN is very profitable. How many people apply to the incubator because of HN? How many of their startups get a big word of mouth boost from the free publicity and association?
Regardless of how it's entered on the tax forms, I imagine the HN costs are considered well worth it by the investors.
It’s tantalizing to think it’s possible to make that site right now.