It's not the mechanics behind the site that is important, it is the concept. Betterexplained is a site providing valuable insights, and http://links.betterexplained.com promises to become a great resource for understanding the world.

Hackers care about curiosity, learning and understanding, hence the interest.

Beats me -- isn't it a slow news week? :)

I was really happy to see this at the top. I think it may be because we're both YC alum and some articles from betterexplained have been well received here in the past.

But also, I hope, the need to know why (not just how) is a common urge among hackers.

I'm guessing slow news week. It's been all finance stuff and layoffs.

sock puppet voting?