I like Hackernews. I like the simplicity. I don't bother with better AI. I prefer it that way and I acknowledge that the look and feel of Hackernews does not suite everyone.
But I don't value the look and feel of Hackernews, because it drives people away -- as if these people are of lesser value. That is just elitist and gatekeeper mentality.
The people I don't want to drive away are younger cohorts who would be a great fit for the community but who may be put off by the ancient form factor.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with gatekeeping. There are people who you definitely want to keep away.
folks forget, or never figured out, that community-building is a thing that requires a degree of curation; you wouldn't want your sloppy alcoholic uncle showing up to your business brunch (or whatever the hep cats do these days...) but he may be a welcome addition to your new years eve party. That doesn't mean you are "gatekeeping"
> That is just elitist and gatekeeper mentality.
This sounds good in theory until you realize just who it is that is being "gatekept".
Peruse through any sufficiently large Discord server or the comments on a YouTube Shorts / Instagram Reels video to see what our fellow "valued internet compatriots" are up to.
I, for one, have had enough of dealing with neuron-fried dopamine addicts and literal children from those aforementioned circles to last me a lifetime, I'd prefer HN doesn't become (more) like that.
There's always Reddit for those who prefer a community with the front gates blasted wide open.