[Radim]

> has an unquantifiable non zero worth to the commenter.

Yes, that's the "other kicks out of it" above. Already covered.

More importantly:

> You just provided free content (a brief opinion piece) for publication on a commercial entity (HackerNews, run by YCombinator)... ...which, according to you, is a "bad idea all around", since you exploit yourself and harm others.

If HackerNews is indeed a PR branch of some commercial entity, then people posting here for free provide value (which is not to say any of my comments do…) to that entity. Potentially harming alternative forums, whether free or commercial. The point stands.

> So, why are you acting against your morals and judgement?

Good call. I guess I didn't perceive HN as for-profit. Perhaps OP's "At some point" is now, for me.

[romwell]

>Good call. I guess I didn't perceive HN as for-profit. Perhaps OP's "At some point" is now, for me.

Props to you for consistency! No more questions.