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Moving from Rust to C++

raphlinus.github.io

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Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#11

Post by 2h »

bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

as you said, its annoying and a complete waste of time. Its essentially someone lying to their audience. As someone trying to build a reputation or a following, how do you do that?

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#13

Post by andrepd »

2h wrote: post #11
bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

as you said, its annoying and a complete waste of time. Its essentially someone lying to their audience. As someone trying to build a reputation or a following, how do you do that?

No fun allowed! Rust evangelism is ze serious business! :)

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#14

Post by masklinn »

bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

For the last 5-10 years I've though of April 1st as a hell-day. Most years, this sentiment (and warning) is what I post in a private group. At least this year it's on a saturday not a weekday, so most of the cringiest corporate april's fools are not happening.

The web just goes to shit with jokes which sometimes visibly take a lot of effort (e.g. unless this post was AI-generated and while it's much shorter than the author's usual, it is still to a pretty good standard (some of the hints are easy to miss though the "language evolution" is a huge hammer), other sites have complete redesigns or major flow changes just for that) but usually are not really funny, they dont feel whimsical or enjoyable[0], and from times to times just trigger dread.

This post does cause a pretty good double-take when you follow the author though so it's not bad.

[0] one semi-recurring prank which I do enjoy is subreddits swapping styles, it's completely harmless but it does cause surprise, and sometimes delight as your usual might be swapped with a very well-styled subreddit

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#15

Post by UncleEntity »

bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

A passive-aggressive attack on my third favorite language disguised as a joke. I see the humor.

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#16

Post by flir »

bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

I generally try to avoid in the internet on Apr 1st (I'm just here 'cos I'm waiting for something to dry). Jokes don't get funnier the more you repeat them, and Apr 1st has been repeated many, many times.

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#18

Post by [deleted] »

2h wrote: post #11
bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

as you said, its annoying and a complete waste of time. Its essentially someone lying to their audience. As someone trying to build a reputation or a following, how do you do that?

[deleted]

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#19

Post by raphlinus »

2h wrote: post #11
bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

as you said, its annoying and a complete waste of time. Its essentially someone lying to their audience. As someone trying to build a reputation or a following, how do you do that?

I think the tradition of April Fools (and related, Onion-like satire) serves an important epistemological function, even more relevant and important in today's information environment. You cannot rely on tone and confident expression, but rather read critically.

In this particular case, what's being satirized are a fairly complex mix of perceptions about community and what actually builds a programming language ecosystem. I was able to poke gentle fun at myself (the Android font vulnerability) while also taking down some of the worst arguments out there, sadly common though. All this would be hard to express as a straight opinion piece.

Probably the biggest problem with this piece is that it has a moderately specialized audience. If you follow the adoption of Rust closely, hopefully you'll get a good chuckle. If you're only dimly aware of that, then there are too many insider jokes.

[I had intended to be "in character" in the comments here today, but have reconsidered. Appreciate the feedback, and happy to discuss substantive points]

Re: Moving from Rust to C++

#20

Post by [deleted] »

bot347851834 wrote: post #5

I wonder what's the consensus on HN about April Fools blog posts like this one. It's probably a cultural thing but I really feel like it's a waste of time, both for the readers and the writer. I don't want to be overly negative because of course they can be a way of publicizing cool things (in this case an open source library). It's just that every April 1st I open a lot of links only to be disappointed that their co…

[deleted]
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