Ask HN: Reddit closed its API, but what if HN does the same?

3 pointsbartq2y ago5 comments

I can't imagine using HN's default client, some people like it but it's not me. I'm using my custom built PWA app which I'm the only one user of and currently I'm not inclined to open it to public, maintain etc. I would't browse HN as often as I do without https://hacker-news.firebaseio.com/v0/topstories.json and other endpoints for free in my app.

I've been thinking about this problem a lot recently and feels like decentralized easy-to-clone system is needed. Everything what's been said about Reddit applies to HN as well.

5 comments

weinzierl2y ago

I believe the motivation for providing the HN API was partly to discourage people from scraping the site and wasting their bandwidth. If the API goes away people will just go back to scraping.

Same for Reddit and that's why their point about all apps being freeloaders is disingenuous. If there is no API people will scrape which is inefficient and costs more bandwidth than API access and Reddit will have to implement countermeasures which is also not free.

eSandwich82y ago

> Everything what's been said about Reddit applies to HN as well.

Reddit is clearly going for near term profitability with the recent API changes they're making, likely in light of their looming IPO. The recent layoffs they've announced further suggest they're chasing short term profits. I doubt HN has a similar motive that would inspire similar changes.

brudgers2y ago

My guess is that the opportunity cost (if not the actual overhead costs) of billing for the HN API would make charging for API access are revenue drain.

But it's just a guess.

senttoschool2y ago

I'm pretty sure HN serves as advertisement for Y Combinator. HN doesn't make or care about profits.

sixothree2y ago

What's the operating cost of news.?

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