[SamUK96]

But the linked startup is about SEO, i.e. spamming/abusing these communities to generate links, by offering a paid service for it.

EDIT: I understand your comment now, yes it is. How this startup got funded I have no idea, it's a decade-old SEO "sh*tlording" technique :/

[bdcravens]

You assume it is funded. It could be a lone wolf with a submission script, or access to cheap labor. The site itself is hosted on a site builder, and payments are via Gumroad. (none of that is bad, but doesn't scream funded)

[SamUK96]

You are right, should of maybe included "if so". But still, surprising someone would think covering up SEO shitlording with such a thin veil would fool anybody. From the other comments here, it seems that the reason SEO is just generally negative in 90% of its aspects, has been forgotten. People have a short memory these days, and I'm sure that if people on HN have forgotten, then it won't be long until we have link spam, algo spam, cramming, bots, trackers, and the whole SEO shitlord shitlist back on the table.

Apologies for my French. It's just that HN is a lot smarter than this...