awarer

Yeah, he couldn't, for whatever reason, bring up advertisers but instead chose "those early hackers" pushed for this.

Side topic: How can the free market/enterprise work properly if there are backdoors and zero days all over the place?

Well, in regards to the article I think experimentation should be cheered and not tossed away as stupidity. Wheeler isn't actually a good example of this effect.

Creating environments where people, especially people with the correct answers, are not afraid to voice their sincere opinions without the fear of being called or looked at as stupid is what is needed. Experts today, are now challenged, by persons who are incorrect and correct. An authority usually tries to shut up both as if the two were the same.

"something out of their realm of expertise on here is about as useful as reading a Facebook or YouTube comment chain."

Casting aside the clear flaw there (which YT, FB chains?), I'd bet on HN against the general public because people here are more likely scientifically minded and therefore self-correcting.

"That doesn't stop them from speaking authoritatively about it. :)"

This effect should only really matter when it comes to an individual having authority (decisions or influence) over others.

"The fundamental cause of the trouble in the modern world today is that the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” — Bertrand Russell

"whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right.” ― Henry Ford

2nd paragraph.