Interestingly, I was sent to a /graylist.html page accusing HN (among others) of profiting from the traffic. Normally these pages make the (absolutely fair) point that they need to earn to live, but without the accusatory tone. It might be just bad copy that inadvertedly includes HN on the freeriders accusation, but to the cynic in me, this seems a little bit as a psychological technique to make me feel guilty... what do you think about this copy?
I didn't see that. I think the writer needs to either sell a book and offer whatever he wants for free on the blog, or offer everything for free with no restrictions. I don't see the point in the writer begging or making others feel guilty as a monetization strategy. Either it's free or not.