Well, maybe it's their other company. (Just kidding.)
I noticed the same thing, and decided not to "out" them. I read a different discussion on HN, earlier tonight (can't find it now) about how companies should communicate impending layoffs (if at all), and it is clear that many choose to keep their cards to their chest. This discussion is very different, and made me wonder if it is part of their open source culture, because through the eyes of many companies this "Ask HN" may be perceived as naive or maybe even desperate.
I just try to learn something from others. My main goal is to create the best software and help other developers, that's why I consider many opportunities how to develop the company.
- We can sell it and develop our products in other organizations.
- We can find investors, we are in talks with some VCs.
- We also do not have to change anything if we decide that it will be best for our products and users.
It sounds a bit like you are emotionally invested in it.
Mind that if you sell, the buyer can do whatever they want. They can take your software and make it a small module of their closed source thing or even just try to convince your customers to go with their solution and let everything else go.
Similar with VC. The goal for the VC is to sell their stake and before that they get notable voting power to push directions.
This all can be fine and good, but multiple times I have seen founders who only realized late that they lost their child. If you are aware of that go on, however if you are profitable (inclusing your time!) and are attached maybe continuing that way is best for your own happiness. But likely you won't become rich and certainly not quickly.
I noticed the same thing, and decided not to "out" them. I read a different discussion on HN, earlier tonight (can't find it now) about how companies should communicate impending layoffs (if at all), and it is clear that many choose to keep their cards to their chest. This discussion is very different, and made me wonder if it is part of their open source culture, because through the eyes of many companies this "Ask HN" may be perceived as naive or maybe even desperate.