The blog post "Do you not like money?" argues that many open-source maintainers undervalue their work and fail to seek appropriate compensation. It points out the discrepancy between the significant value open-source software provides to companies and the often negligible or non-existent financial support offered to the individuals creating and maintaining it. The author urges maintainers to recognize their worth and explore various avenues for monetization, such as accepting donations, offering commercial licenses, or finding sponsorships, emphasizing that getting paid for essential work is not greedy but rather a sustainable way to ensure the health and longevity of vital projects.
The blog post "Ask for no, don't ask for yes (2022)" argues that when seeking agreement or buy-in, framing requests negatively—asking for objections rather than approval—can be more effective. This "opt-out" approach lowers the barrier to engagement, making it easier for people to voice concerns they might otherwise keep to themselves. By explicitly inviting dissent, you gather valuable feedback, uncover hidden obstacles, and ultimately increase the likelihood of genuine agreement and successful implementation down the line. This proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential problems can lead to more robust solutions and stronger commitment from all involved parties.
Hacker News users discuss the nuances of the "ask for no" strategy. Several commenters point out that it's not about literally asking for "no," but rather framing the request in a way that makes it easy for someone to decline without feeling guilty or pressured. This approach is seen as particularly useful in sales, negotiations, and managing teams, fostering better relationships by respecting autonomy. Some argue it's a form of manipulation, while others defend it as a way to create psychological safety. The discussion also touches on cultural differences, noting that the directness of "asking for no" might not translate well in all environments. A few users share personal anecdotes of how this strategy has led to better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and genuine respect for the other party's decision.
Postmake.io/revenue offers a simple calculator to help businesses quickly estimate their annual recurring revenue (ARR). Users input their number of customers, average revenue per customer (ARPU), and customer churn rate to calculate current ARR, ARR growth potential, and potential revenue loss due to churn. The tool aims to provide a straightforward way to understand these key metrics and their impact on overall revenue, facilitating better financial planning.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to Postmake's revenue calculator. Several commenters praised its simplicity and ease of use, finding it a helpful tool for quick calculations. Some suggested potential improvements, like adding more sophisticated features for calculating recurring revenue or including churn rate. One commenter pointed out the importance of considering customer lifetime value (CLTV) alongside revenue. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of relying on a third-party tool for such calculations, suggesting spreadsheets or custom-built solutions as alternatives. Overall, the comments reflected an appreciation for a simple, accessible tool while also highlighting the need for more robust solutions for complex revenue modeling.
Trellis is a YC-backed startup building a platform to simplify and automate legal processes for startups, initially focusing on Delaware incorporations. They aim to make legal tasks like forming a company, issuing stock options, and managing cap tables as easy as possible, reducing the time and cost typically associated with these processes. Trellis is currently hiring engineers and designers to join their team.
Commenters on Hacker News express skepticism about the value proposition of Trellis, questioning whether automating social media for local businesses is truly a significant pain point. Some argue that the cost likely outweighs the benefits for small businesses, especially given existing free or low-cost scheduling tools. Others point out the difficulty in creating engaging, authentic social media content automatically, suggesting that genuine interaction is more effective than automated posts. The limited customization options within Trellis are also criticized. A few commenters offer alternative solutions like Buffer or Hootsuite, implying that Trellis doesn't offer enough differentiation to justify its existence. Finally, several commenters note the potential for abuse and spam if the platform isn't carefully managed.
Summary of Comments ( 20 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43183568
Hacker News users generally agreed with the premise of the article – that many open-source maintainers are leaving due to burnout and lack of compensation – and shared similar experiences. Several commenters pointed out the difficulty in monetizing open source projects, especially those used by hobbyists or small companies, and the pressure to keep projects free even when facing increasing maintenance burdens. Some discussed the efficacy of various monetization strategies like GitHub Sponsors and dual licensing, with mixed opinions on their success. Others highlighted the broader issue of valuing free labor and the unrealistic expectation that maintainers should dedicate their time without compensation. A few commenters offered practical advice for maintainers, such as setting clear boundaries and communicating expectations to users.
The Hacker News post "Do you not like money?" with ID 43183568, referencing the article "Do you not like money?" on rubenerd.com, has generated several comments discussing the nuances of valuing money and work-life balance.
A significant number of commenters agree with the author's premise that relentlessly pursuing increased income isn't the only path to happiness. They argue that prioritizing personal time, hobbies, and mental well-being can be equally, if not more, valuable. Some share personal anecdotes of downshifting their careers, accepting lower salaries for reduced stress and increased free time, and finding greater fulfillment as a result. These comments often emphasize the importance of defining one's own values and pursuing a life that aligns with them, rather than blindly chasing societal expectations of financial success.
Several commenters discuss the concept of "enough," highlighting the diminishing returns of wealth beyond a certain point. They argue that past a certain income level, the additional money contributes less to overall happiness and may even come at the cost of increased stress and responsibility. Some suggest that focusing on optimizing for time and flexibility, rather than maximizing income, can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life.
Some dissenting voices express skepticism about the feasibility of downshifting, citing financial obligations, family responsibilities, and the competitive nature of the job market. These comments raise practical concerns about the privilege inherent in being able to choose lower-paying jobs and acknowledge that not everyone has the luxury of prioritizing personal time over financial stability. They argue that while the author's points are valid for some, they don't necessarily apply universally.
Another thread of discussion revolves around the definition of "rich." Some commenters argue that true wealth encompasses more than just financial assets, including factors like health, relationships, and personal fulfillment. They suggest that focusing solely on monetary wealth can lead to a narrow and ultimately unsatisfying definition of success.
Finally, a few commenters offer alternative perspectives on the value of work, suggesting that challenging and meaningful work can be a source of fulfillment in itself, regardless of the salary. They argue that finding work that aligns with one's passions and skills can contribute significantly to overall well-being.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a diverse range of perspectives on the relationship between money, work, and happiness. While many agree with the author's core message about prioritizing personal well-being over maximizing income, others raise important counterpoints about the practical realities and individual circumstances that influence these decisions. The discussion highlights the complexity of navigating these choices and underscores the importance of defining one's own values and pursuing a life that aligns with them.