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I think this experience makes their opinion more valuable actually. Maybe they should have put in a disclaimer, but I always assume posters on HN have distinct insight based on relevant experience in the topic. At least this person provides a nice counter-argument to the general trend in these comments. I appreciate it even if I disagree.

Conflict of interest? Lol. It sounds like he or she has relevant expertise in the matter being discussed. Rare for Hacker News commenters.

Only people engaged in a field are prone to have a conflict of interest. Not only aren't those two things mutually exclusive, they are highly correlated.

Does that change anything in my argument? Who else but someone who's seen it work could tell you about the other side of it?

Some bias is shown through:

#2 hackers and big bad government aren't the only reason for being leery about 'big tracking'

#3 People also buy damaging(mlm) products and products they genuinely hate from these same ads

but I agree with your other points.

It is useful to hear your perspective. It is also useful to know that perspective is informed by self-interest.