That someone can post this on HN and get a bunch of invites back.
Does doing something like this scale? What if everybody just decided to post "hey I'm coming to SF is there a place for me to crash" or "hey I'm coming to NYC anyone want to have coffee?" or "I have a problem writing perl..."
Since there are companies that you are trying to reach, and you must have some idea of the type of company you want to reach, why not put some effort into doing something other than the obvious easiest thing which is to post an "Ask HN" and see who bites?
(For the record I wouldn't feel the same way if a top commenter who spends much time on HN made a similar request because at least they have put time and effort into HN (and I don't consider my karma as anywhere near that point for the record.)
Why not congratulate OP for his initiative. The fact that som many people are responding so positively gives new members of the community (like myself) a wonderful impression of how helpful people are here. Look how many people are pitching in to help this person without any expectation of return.
Also, this is yet one community. You have no idea who all else this guy knows and by meeting with whoever responds here, they will gain from it.
I'd like to point you to a Reid Hoffman article which discusses the power of connecting with people from various networks:
The fact that he's not a top commenter is even more inspiring. It shows that if someone has a good concept, takes initiative and quells any fear that "oh I'm not a big guy/girl on HN,I can't be that audacious" - well that person will get results.
Reminds me of Geothe's timeless words, "...boldness has genius, power and magic in it".
This is definitely valid and I don't think our approach scales. It was something a friend recommended and we tried it. HN has an upvote system for a reason.
That someone can post this on HN and get a bunch of invites back.
Does doing something like this scale? What if everybody just decided to post "hey I'm coming to SF is there a place for me to crash" or "hey I'm coming to NYC anyone want to have coffee?" or "I have a problem writing perl..."
Since there are companies that you are trying to reach, and you must have some idea of the type of company you want to reach, why not put some effort into doing something other than the obvious easiest thing which is to post an "Ask HN" and see who bites?
(For the record I wouldn't feel the same way if a top commenter who spends much time on HN made a similar request because at least they have put time and effort into HN (and I don't consider my karma as anywhere near that point for the record.)