I also think this is a very important story.

Edit: I just sent info AT ycombinator.com the email below with the subject 'news item'. Hope it gets seen and considered.

Hi team

I think the news item about who's here / who's near me is extremely important. If you don't include the ability of a small close-nit group to moderate itself somewhat, then things like idea-stealing and legal threats become such a burden that a lot of startups won't even bother, the burden will be too high.

I think it's an amazing time where someone with just a server can start a big project. I think silent threats should not shut people down.

I also think the reply is important, and upvoted that as well, though I find it unconvincing.

As for the original story: Even if it's not true in this case, just the idea that a page can be missing from what you're served is important enough for me to check page numbers if I'm ever served in the future. On this point alone the story is worth an upvote, which I gave it.

I think both what happened and the response are appropriate for the front page.

It's also a very important subject of discussion; for example, how far can Zynga go in a category before going too far? (in literally copying a game).

Thanks for giving this another consideration.

Best,

(my name) = its_so_on https://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=its_so_on