Hacker News Reader

Feeling like someone could be watching is a motivating factor for many. If I had a sense that no one would ever find my blog, I might feel more discouraged than otherwise. In this new reality, I am more likely to jot down my notes in a private GitHub repository for future reference.

For another example, look at Spotify. Granted, lots of horrible practices involved here, but the discovery aspect of the product is so good that many of us overlook those issues. I have found & purchased more music simply because of this discoverability. I win, the artists win, etc.

Everyone tends to lose when the discovery mechanisms suck.

So you have something to link to when you're later arguing with someone and don't want to bother writing down your complex take on the topic.

Sharing an idea and looking for an audience are not mutually dependent motives.

People keep diaries.