Nobody uses HN because it's an amazing piece of software.
HN is actually an amazing piece of software in its own minimalistic way
Yeah we do. HN made a lot of intentional choices to avoid becoming a generic social media clone. There's a reason why nobody is replying with reaction GIFs in the comments or linking to rickrolls. HN is a unique piece of software that goes hand in hand with the moderation that augments it.
By that definition any business that develops an app or website or forum software is a tech company.
Sounds an awful lot like WeWork trying to brand itself as a tech company.
The success of HN is from its moderation, not from its tech.