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479 points jgruber | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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gcp123 ◴[] No.43490036[source]
As someone who's been reading Daring Fireball since 2004 and considers themselves an Apple fan, I think the algorithm is working exactly as intended if it's designed to limit intellectually dishonest content.

Gruber has built a career on a predictable pattern: vociferously defend Apple's every decision (even contradicting his own previous positions when Apple changes course), construct elaborate post-rationalizations for their missteps, while simultaneously maintaining meticulous, years-long grudges against anyone who makes incorrect predictions about Apple.

There's a stark difference between having perspective as an enthusiast and being a reflexive apologist. The "Something Rotten in Cupertino" piece is the exception that proves the rule - a rare deviation that doesn't erase the pattern of selective criticism that's defined his work for years.

What's particularly frustrating is the pretense of even-handedness. I'd respect the work more if it were openly presented as Apple advocacy rather than positioned as independent analysis. The community's collective flagging behavior isn't "censorship" - it's quality control from readers who've recognized this pattern.

HN's algorithm isn't suppressing contrarian viewpoints - it's responding to content that consistently fails to meet the intellectual honesty this community values.

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1. joeblubaugh ◴[] No.43490067[source]
Hoo boy; the idea that “intellectual honesty” bubbles to the top is an … interesting take to say the least. I don’t think it’s well-supported.

Having an opinion and a tendency is not dishonest, and there’s plenty of garbage content that reaches and remains on the front page.

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2. gcp123 ◴[] No.43490134[source]
I didn't say that intellectually honest content bubbles to the top, I said: "I think the algorithm is working exactly as intended if it's designed to limit intellectually dishonest content". There's a difference.
3. xcrunner529 ◴[] No.43551064[source]
Hey now, yet another article of the millions on the linux packaging managers is VERY important!!