Yes, there's reciprocity in this world, but it should be obvious to any unbiased observer that this wasn't part of some elaborate scheme on Patrick's part to grab the money of HN users. Patrick has spent countless hours providing invaluable advice to this community for free -- even if you want to take the most negative interpretation of his motives, this simply wouldn't be worth it.

If you want to spend years doling out awesome advice for free and then "cashing out" like this, I encourage you to do so. It would certainly be more valuable than bringing up the insipid "everything is selfish" argument.

I worked with Patio11 on the WP Engine project his info product revolves around, and know very well the caliber of his character (especially when it comes to helping startups).

Knowing that, This comment is the funniest thing I've read all day. I SRS LOL'd.