TO make learning how to code easier and more fun then before.

We are happy of Codecademy's success, as it shows there is a need for the learning to code through gaming space. We just went live and are looking to gain insight on what works best - our visual exercises, our games and or our watch a video/typing exercise - thnx

You're working on a noble cause, sure, but consider this: If you look at your post as a competitive service spamming Codecademy's thread to call attention toward your own, all of a sudden the downvotes start to make sense, don't they?

After all Flickr started as MMORPG where they noticed their visitors/users were using the upload photo feature more then playing their game.

That does not dictate spamming a thread about one of your competitors. What you're doing is distinctly NOT resonating with some of your potential users.

You're not entitled to feedback, so having that problem is nobody but yours. Like with everything in startups: figure it out.

I'm not supporting the idea that 'YC alumn eats an apple for lunch' is indeed noteworthy, just providing an explanation.

I used to think HN front page was heavily gamed. That is you had to have a network of insta-voters in order to build up enough momentum. And while that is probably true for some stories, I honestly believe it's just a matter of good timing, luck, and persistence. If you keep having something to say, you'll eventually get lucky with good timing!

Not many start-ups win the startup lottery immediately. A small margin do but most need to work hard to figure things out and find their niche.