> they wonder, before clicking the reply button on a popular piece of YC tech
Nobody uses HN because it's an amazing piece of software.
HN is actually an amazing piece of software in its own minimalistic way
Yeah we do. HN made a lot of intentional choices to avoid becoming a generic social media clone. There's a reason why nobody is replying with reaction GIFs in the comments or linking to rickrolls. HN is a unique piece of software that goes hand in hand with the moderation that augments it.
The success of HN is from its moderation, not from its tech.
By that definition any business that develops an app or website or forum software is a tech company.
Sounds an awful lot like WeWork trying to brand itself as a tech company.