This comment, and the corresponding "if you build it they will come" mentality is exactly why so many startups fail.

How exactly would you have a viable product with lots of users without marketing?

I have seen bad products become phenomenally successful with good marketing, but I can't think of any app, no matter how good it is, succeed without marketing.

Or do you think your marketing plan consisting of "word of mouth" will work?

Seriously, usually I love the hacker mindset on HN, but comments like this make me cringe.