[Splines]

That's not hard to find out.

Glenn Kelman is the CEO of redfin, which has a very cool Google Maps-like real estate search. I haven't done business with them, but have used them as another tool during my house-buying searches.

I wager that Glenn (or someone on the redfin team) is using HackerNews as yet another place to market.

Personally, I don't mind. It's interesting reading.

[igravious]

You know I'm getting sick of the downvoting to the depths of hell any post that crosses the group-think party line of this place. I don't think that it is okay that a CEO of a commercial site is cross-posting here to boost traffic to his website. So what if you've used their services in your personal life and found them useful? How does change anything? My expectation of a site like HackeNews and SlashDot or anywhere like this is that the posts are posted by ordinary users because they find them interesting. If you get upvoted for liking posts that are a) crud and b) probably only used to drive traffic to a commerical website and I get downvoted because of the same then this is a place I don't want to be. Personally I do mind.

[Splines]

I guess I misunderstood your original post. It sounded like you didn't know who the poster was, and I looked it up for you and shared some context of my experiences with them.

Personally, I do think it's ok that a CEO is posting here, even if it is for financial gain. I feel like this site is like a tech-news link aggregator with a business spin. Having a CEO of any company is (I think) of value to the community since they can share their experiences in starting a company (it looks like Glenn Kelman was a co-founder of Plumtree as well).

In any case, if you disagree with the article (i.e., you think it's crud), then say why. Let's have the discussion. Complaining about it isn't going to get you upvotes, if that's your thing.

Take it easy. No harm, no foul.

[igravious]

I didn't. I looked at their user info and it says nothing - says it was created 9 days ago and the user only submitted 2 redfin articles and nothing else. Normally entrepreneurs and CEOs round here write a short note that they are the founder or CEO or whatever. I didn't put 2 and 2 together. Mae Culpa. But do I now have to double check every submission? Wouldn't it be "normal" to say that you're affiliated if you're affiliated. My hunch says yes.

Personally, I don't think it's ok that a CEO posts here for financial gain - I don't like that motive and I don't like in what direction it would take this site. I feel like this site is like a tech-news link aggregator with a entrepeneurial spin. I don't think it should be used by established businesses to boost traffic. Yes haveing a CEO of any company is of value to the community but only if they are here on merit, and not if they try to manipulate the community.

Like I have said again and again, it is neither here nor there if I agree or disagree with the article - the discussion I want to have is that I think this one: this guy when he submits 2 posts (written by himself on a corporate blog!) one day after another on topics that are guaranteed to cause a stir is cynically trying to boost traffic plain and simple. I don't want up-votes, I just think it speaks of the mob mentality and group-think on HN that you can't dissent or point something out like this without being down-modded.

I am taking it is. Thanks for taking so much time to respond. I hope you see my point of view. I don't see why I keep getting down-modded for it. You seem reasonable and if you say you feel this kind of thing is fine then I'll certainly take you opinion into account and I feel like you're the type of person who would extend me the same courtesy.

Phew!