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479 points jgruber | 5 comments | | HN request time: 1.254s | 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. jgruber ◴[] No.43493789[source]
How then do you explain DF being HN's #3 personal blog from 2007-2021, but #72 from 2021-2025? Do you recall HN announcing a major algorithm change?
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2. JKCalhoun ◴[] No.43494434[source]
I would guess a change in HN audience (anyone want to throw in COVID-19?) and a decline in Apple's popularity in general.
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3. pb7 ◴[] No.43496578[source]
[flagged]
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4. JKCalhoun ◴[] No.43501049{3}[source]
You're right — I mean I shouldn't't have used the word 'popularity'. I'd say their positive image though has lost a good deal of its shine since their peak.
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5. JohnBooty ◴[] No.43539882{4}[source]

    I'd say their positive image though has lost a good 
    deal of its shine since their peak.
I don't necessarily disagree, but I'm also not sure that this would lead to a decrease in engagement. I could very easily see the opposite being true -- more discontent equals more engagement.

Many/most people in tech have to deal with Apple in some capacity even if they're not users or "fans", such as making sites/apps work on Apple platforms.