Ask HN: Hacker News like forums for other niches?

Post by bmitc » Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 7:15 PM UTC

specialist wrote: post #42

zucker42 wrote: post #35

This used to be called Reddit. Not so much anymore, since they started optimizing for advertisers instead of users. I don't think there are going to be very many places like HackerNews. "Hackers" as a subculture are bolstered by the fact that Internet based modes of communication and work (not just forums but also things like Github) are seen as interesting and productive. Plus the people capable designing such a for…

I just can't imagine why all threaded forums aren't structured like HN (and lobste.rs). For the life of me, neither slashdot nor reddit has ever made any sense to me. Everything else, less so. The flat (non-threaded) forums have their place. For low traffic, low engagement blog comments feedback stuff.

Post by threatofrain » Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 7:31 PM UTC

riffic wrote: post #16

threatofrain wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Reddit main page is just comedy and politics. You'll want to check out the niches like its Rust community. Other language-based communities as of late have favored chat-type environments over forums.

Reddit doesn't necessarily have a "main page". I generally don't subscribe to any sub that you would typically see in /r/all, and stick with niche subs instead.

Post by enz » Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 7:34 PM UTC

co_pilates wrote: post #23

Anyone know of a "hacker news minus politics and marketing"?

Post by tenfourwookie » Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 7:52 PM UTC

wolverine876 wrote: post #56

I'd love a forum with a commitment to valuable discussion - constructive, intelligent, accurate comments. No acting out, no unfounded stuff, no trendy or trolling ideas (that don't otherwise qualify), no BS. In short, I want something worth my time. HN is the best I've found, but is far from my goal. I found one forum that's higher quality, IMHO, but it's for a specific, narrow hobby.

Post by cheschire » Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 7:53 PM UTC

egypturnash wrote: post #44

brudgers wrote: post #15

I suspect statistically, the HN for X is HN. A topic silo encourages people to behave in ways that might help them reach the top of the silo. Getting to the top is expedited by pushing other people down. Even worse, it is expedited by driving out expertise. The dynamics of HN prevent that. Topics so broad that being way outside your domain is the normal state of encountering an HN topic for everyone. Nobody has a wel…

I am trying to imagine the reaction an artist or musician would get to "Show HN: here is some art I do" and it is at least 50% "what is this doing here, HN is for programmer/startup stuff". I am pretty sure the HN for X, where X is "art" or "music", is not HN. I am also finding myself tempted to do exactly this with regards to the graphic novel I drew a few years back, just to see how badly it performs.