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Comment on A Group Is Its Own Worst Enemy (2003) [pdf]parent

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I couldn’t identify any other insights in the essay that HN does not line up well.

However, I could argue that HN lines up well with one pattern mentioned in the essay: Identification and vilification of external enemies. For example, HNers typically vilify external groups and people who act or actually are ignorant about encryption and privacy issues -- such as, say, the politicians and industry associations who drafted and promoted the EARN IT act. I don't think this particular example is a negative for HN (i.e., I think EARN IT is horrendous), but I do think the similarity is worth mentioning. I hope HN seeks to minimize vilification in general.

Also, I wonder if HN is susceptible to a pattern that (IIRC) is not mentioned or discussed at all in the essay: Influential communities with large audiences attract ill-intentioned members who infiltrate the community only to influence the larger audience. I hope HN has safeguards against this sort of behavior, though.

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