> Actually make money?

Depending on how you do the accounting, I imagine HN is very profitable. How many people apply to the incubator because of HN? How many of their startups get a big word of mouth boost from the free publicity and association?

Regardless of how it's entered on the tax forms, I imagine the HN costs are considered well worth it by the investors.

I've even gotten job offers from HN. Definitely can be profitable. I'd say it's rarely profitable for most of us. Just a nice place to learn about stuff and meet interesting people. The profit potential is a bonus.

Socially. HN might be relevant in a hundred years, or it might not. And if it isn’t, who will be? Why?

It’s tantalizing to think it’s possible to make that site right now.