The service itself is interesting. The branding…is not to my taste.
I think that some people may be able to get behind the service by virtue of its usefulness alone, and either are unbothered by the branding or are even attracted to it.
And then there are some people who are totally put off by the branding for various reasons, be it because they perceive certain political/ideological undertones behind it or just think that it’s immature and are even aghast that other HN users (who are predominantly middle-aged men, presumably) find it appealing.
To criticize the branding, puts one’s self in a position where one can either make a statement that can either be perceived as “politically incorrect” or insensitive, or reconciliatory (“I understand why people like it, but it’s not for me, I should’ve kept my opinions to myself and let people have their fun.”)
It defo screams astro-turfing. This post is filled with sock puppets who think this weird service is worth $20 and are completely ignoring all the downsides.
