[sametmax]

All communites have, but people from YC usually don't seem to hide their intention in communication (or they are good at it and I didn't notice).

The problem is when people are doing PR for an entity, while pretending they are sharing news, insights or data.

[fullshark]

Everyone here pretty much has a professional stake in the topics discussed, and most people don't disclose that stake. People may be honest about their thinking but their analysis is certainly biased.

[alva]

I agree that "shilling" really comes down to intent and transparency.

Are you presenting the information and disclosing (this can be implicit if connection is obvious) your interests? I don't think most have a problem with that, however the particular forum or board might not be suitable for it.

[sametmax]

Indeed.

The line is not clear though. Some people present a new services with show HN and are acclaimed, others are rejected as advertisers. HN like underdogs, innovators and good-doers, but is less laxed with big companies, status quo and money lovers. So if the later can disguise as the formers, they can game the system.