jsneedles

Some work super hard to cultivate sources because they like to be known as great hunters. Some are contacted by companies/startups and offered to try things early... Some post for their friends. They're not excluding anybody. They're surfacing things that for the most part, have been proven to be liked by the community.

I disagree. The homepage has to start somewhere... and the small # of "insiders" who post great content everyday have that reputation built up to elevate posts. I'm sure if an "insider" posted some bad products that weren't a great fit for the community... they'd be treated like everyone else. I've seen it happen.

Hi All, I'm new here and I'm familiar with PH. I'll come right out and say it - I'm a big fan. I think people are looking for a point-by-point response to the earlier piece... and that's unrealistic. If you look at the message being sent here, it's valid and honest. Some thing are addressed directly "your vote counts the same as mine" dispels the direct link myth. The change in % of "insider" posts making it to the homepage has substantially decreased meaning you don't NEED to be or know one of these people to make it.

I've been on both sides - I've coordinated a launch with the help of PH & I've launched my own things at my own times. I've had great success and some flops doing both. There are pros & cons. But again... the frequency of this is certainly decreasing.

It's not that you need an insider, but if you really want to have a "launch" they help... If you want to share something cool you made, and think it's good, and garner some useful feedback... Post away!