"If HN had its way, every product and service on the planet would be devoid of marketing, sales or design and the only way you could buy it was via the command line."

s/planet/www/;s/HN/& commenters/;s/its/their/

This is funny because I have always had a dream about ordering from the command line, instead of fiddling with HTML forms in web pages in graphical web browsers. Then we users could more easily automate purchases.

In the dream, order details are in the HTTP headers. There is a standard for collecting user order information that all sites follow.

HTTP headers can be an efficient way to convey information. Consider a (failed) proposal like the DNT header. Instead of being able to manipulate a user into giving "consent" via ever more "creative" web forms, popups, etc., the question, "Do you want tracking?" is standardardised. There are only two answers: "yes" or "no". The answer can be automated by the user. Progress!

Then I wake up. We remain stuck with HTML forms of infinite variability.

Also, the word "snobby" is interesting. Much like that word "elite" that has become "weaponised" in today's online (and offline) discourse. Neal Stephenson compared Linux to a free tank and MacOS to a European luxury car. Wouldn't the "snobs" be the ones using an "elite" interface like the one offered by Apple.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Beginning..._Was_the_...