theroo

This comment section is full of vibes akin to Dropnbox "this can be built easily with fUSE/ftp sync". "It's just an iPad". This'll be a hit.

Was going to page you. Ctrl-F for simonw, and you beat me to it. Love your writing.

Smart approach, imho.

This is a key point, well made.

We should let people that brave it, comment on it without being told they shouldn’t be there by people who aren’t there.

Commenting on it is critical. Commentary can spark a change in ideas and attitudes for the better.

HN crowd always go to the pragmatic.

But what about big ideas? Big change? Can we support people that are pursuing that without zooming immediately into technicalities?

Probably not. But I hope.

Width? Don’t make me laugh. It’s racism. Call it what it is. So we can pause, to allow improvement and to better uphold the idea that people are equal.

This kind of avoidance and apologizing of racism are what plant the seeds of xenophobic ideologies.

You’re really clinging to your “he’s too wide” rationale. Read the article. He’s subject to racism. It’s okay for him to comment on that, and the response over time should be that a society better upholds the idea that each human is equal.

But I’m sure you’re still convinced it’s something to do with the width of the seats.

Only on HN. Honestly.

He’s black. Did you read that part?

I think when you experience prejudice regarding your race, it’s unfair to characterize that as “stewing”.

Maybe you don’t find this article or his initial piece insightful; that’s fair enough.

But I also think it’s fair of him to shine a light on unfair treatment in the place he lives, without people suggesting - without irony - that he “go home”.

Ok, I just really don't see the incentive for most (i.e. 95%+) surfers to do this, for various reasons including: crowds at their favourite waves and no mobile signal at remote spots.

In general, surfers don't want to help other surfers find the best spot of the day. Once you're there it's different, and many surfers are really helpful/friendly. But hardly any will say "this spot X that you've never heard of is going to fire today", especially when they know you'll head to the big town beach break away from them ;)

I know surfers that'd give me a lot of shit if I posted video of a spot firing. I know I might do the same if I found out ;)

My suggestion would be to make this a private group thing. Create a, ahem, "circle" of surfers and share reports with them.

I surf, and also build websites. What does this actually do? Store a photo/video of a surf spot by location. Is that all? What incentive is there for people to do this?