Ask HN: Why all the secrecy around the job postings? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Why all the secrecy around the job postings?

12 pointsblhack7 comments

Just curious... I see job postings all the time here (which is really cool), but why don't they ever list what the company actually does?

I'm not applying to any of these, so I'm not in the target market; maybe I just don't "get it"?

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I've always assumed secrecy is from companies who do not want coverage yet. Techcrunch etc. get their panties in a bunch over new companies and stay "relevant" by covering them, so when a new company appears and it's poised to get attention in the future tech sites want to report on it NOW, except for a company it's crucial you get reported on at the right time, you get the traffic when your product is ready for the "general public". We all know they browse sites like HN and reddit looking for stories, they're not going to sit on their hands when they see a potential story.

Tl:dr; my assumption is to avoid tech sites reporting on them until they choose to be reported on.

They are hiding something from someone. That "someone" could be a) competition (unlikely), b) future investors (most likely), c) applicants (unlikely because if I talked to them I'd ask "what do you do" and the cat is out of the bag), d) No reason (maybe). e) press (unlikely - everything can be done under embargo).

Most of the post are from YC companies that haven't publicly announced that they're part of YC, hence the secrecy. Often they'll want to announce the YC connection as part of a press release as it helps them get press coverage, and they don't want to lose that advantage.

would you post a link to such job postings?

one reason some may not want to post would be bc they are startups and they dont want others to copy their business. i am in such a business and it would hurt me greatly if others started doing what i do and lose my "monopoly". In addition, it would increase the chances of a decrease in valuation should someone wish to acquire the company.

Everything listed here: http://news.ycombinator.com/jobs

If your business is relying upon no-competition then you're dead long term anyway. If you're building a successful business then you will get people copying you, you need a better strategy than secrecy to survive.

If your idea is easily replicable then why would anyone want to acquire you rather than just copy you ?

the question was: why people post obscure job postings. My answer was 'to preserve their secrets', supposedly to obtain a large market share before the competition arrives, and to possibly patent any ideas before anyone can even come in, thus ensuring your firm to have an advantage in the long run. Secrecy wouldn't be their only tool, it's just one of the tools start-ups can use to keep their

Furthermore, yes my business idea is easily replicable, but my knowledge and expertise in my field makes me better than others. Say, if i was in the "ice cream" business, well, anyone can make "ice cream", but i use the best damn "ingredients" while selling my "ice cream" at a higher, yet reasonable price for the increase in quality. Now, that would be a reason why others would want to acquire me, even more so if I had a patent on my "ice cream" making ideas.

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