They're only slightly controversial here in the Midwestern US. Somewhat like Harley Davidson motorcycles, their users are highly brand loyal due more to historical factors than a modern quality or value comparison. Their owners can be derided for overpaying for underperforming tractors that can only be repaired by a dealer for exorbitant fees, the smart money is buying Kubota or Agco now. Though like a Honda rider in a biker bar, you want to be careful where you say that.
Another question: are Norwegians overrepresented here on HN? I've been wondering this for a while but I'm unsure if it is that or of I just happen to notice everyone who in any way signal that they are Norwegians.
(Yes, I live in Norway to.)
1. Northern Europeans tend to speak excellent English. Flawless English is the norm, anyway much better than people from my native countries.
2. Northern Europeans tend to have excellent technical skills compared to the world average.
While both points help y’alls participation in HN, I think point 1 is the most important of the two. I rarely encounter comments from native Japanese or Koreans, even though their populations are much larger than Norway’s. Typically the commenters have since moved to the US. I do, however, encounter non-IT ppl on HN that are very curious (and typically have interesting backstories). I especially enjoy the occasional comments from diesel mechanics.
But you also have a strong observational bias. While the probability of seeing a Ferrari isnt too low the P of seeing two Ferrari’s next to each other is very low... unless you happen to be driving one of the two Ferraris. Add to that that a car lover (ie Norwegian) is much more likely to notice the Ferrari (other Norwegians).